On 20th December 2022, the ICDL Africa team at the Kigali-Rwanda office had a highly productive meeting with The Hon. Ousman A. Bah, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of The Republic of Gambia, and his delegation. The discussion aimed at exploring ways the ICDL programme can be introduced in The Gambia to increase digital literacy and skills in the country.
Digital literacy is becoming an increasingly important skill set in today’s world. With the rise of digital technology, individuals and organizations must have a strong foundation in digital literacy and skills to thrive. Unfortunately, many individuals and countries still lack these essential skills, which can create significant barriers to progress. This is why the ICDL programme, which stands for International Certification in Digital Literacy, was created.
Joseph Mugisha, a member of the ICDL Africa team, started the meeting by giving a presentation on how ICDL works and all its programs. He elaborated more on how ICDL programs are of importance to individuals and organizations. The program offers a range of courses that cover a broad range of digital skills, including basic computer use, digital marketing, and cybersecurity, among others.
The meeting resulted in a commitment to introduce ICDL to Gambia as the Minister mentioned that the program aligns well with the country’s broader goals for the education and economic development sectors. The Ministry intends to train over 5,000 people in Digital Literacy, which will be a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in the country.
As part of the way forward, the Minister mentioned that he would continue to work closely with the ICDL Africa team to ensure that partnership is realized. Joseph Mugisha explained that ICDL Africa would initiate the process of starting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and thereafter, find ways to cementing the partnership.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in promoting digital literacy and skills in The Gambia. With the ICDL programme, individuals and organizations will be able to acquire the skills they need to be competitive in today’s digital world. It is heartening to see the commitment of the Gambian government to invest in digital literacy and skills, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the country’s education and economic sectors.
ICDL in your country