eGovernment Authority Conducts Citizen IT Training in Partnership with Microsoft and Bahrain Internet Society
Elevating eLiteracy and encouraging usage of eServices
The eGovernment Authority (eGA) recently began running a series of training programs for Bahraini citizens across all governorates of the Kingdom aimed at elevating IT literacy and encourage the usage of the eServices available on the eGA’s National Portal (www.bahrain.bh).
This initiative, offered free of charge to Bahraini nationals, is conducted in partnership with Microsoft and the Bahrain Internet Society (BIS). Microsoft is financially sponsoring a number of the courses in coordination with the eGA and BIS, as well as providing the course curriculum free of charge.
The training is administered by a group of Microsoft certified IT professionals, and is based on a curriculum designed by Microsoft to provide the foundation for teaching basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner in order to help individuals gain the skills for today’s “knowledge economy” and broaden digital inclusion.
The first stage of the training programs, which include 18 hours of training in basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, internet and email, and 8 hours on using the eGA National Portal, will include 700 citizens in coordination with the Kingdom’s five governorates.
Commenting on the reasons behind launching this initiative, eGA CEO Mr. Mohammed Al Qaed stated, “We believe that these training programs are the best vehicle to spread awareness and IT literacy across all segments of the Bahraini population and give them the necessary tools to deal with modern technology with knowledge and confidence.”
“The programs fall under a number of skill-building initiatives under the eGA strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain,” Al Qaed added. He further said that the skills involved include training Bahrainis on using computers to increase the number of eServices, as well as training government employees to enable them to handle modern eGA programs and systems.
Al Qaed also thanked Microsoft and BIS for their support of the eGA’s efforts, which aim to “bring all government services closer to the wider public as we transition from the traditional way of interacting to a more modern, streamlined, and efficient method as stipulated by the Bahrain Vision of 2030, whereby we offer effective programs to citizens so they can acquire the basic skills needed to enter new sectors and contribute to the growth and of Bahrain’s economy and realize the goals of the vision,” Al Qaed continued.
Speaking about this partnership, Mr. Badea Isbaai, GM of Microsoft Bahrain, said in a statement, “we are extremely pleased to be an active partner in this program which will help in building a knowledge-based society. We at Microsoft strongly believe in education and continuous development because it leads to a developed economy fortified with highly educated and knowledgeable society that is prepared to cope with economic changes”
“The program stems from Microsoft Unlimited Potential, which provides the foundation for teaching basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner and maximize its potential.”
Mr. Ahmed Al Bloushi, BIS President, spoke about this partnership by saying, “I consider the free training initiative to be an excellent idea which we are pleased to be associated with, as it is directly in line with our organization’s main objectives of encouraging internet usage among the general population and educating them on how to utilize it in the proper manner.”
