Academia Management Solutions International (AMSI), a leading academic solutions provider, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) program in the Gulf region and Iraq, to deploy the ICDL program within its schools in the GCC. AMSI manages the Al Mawakeb Schools in Al Garhoud and Al Barsha, the International School of Arts & Sciences and the Lebanese School in Doha, Qatar.
Under the terms of the agreement, ICDL will accredit ICDL approved training and testing centres within AMSI schools in the region, while AMSI will incorporate the ICDL standard within its ICT syllabus.
The program will be offered to around 2,100 students ranging from grades 7 to 12 and more than 550 teachers and school staff members in different AMSI schools in Dubai alone. It is expected that around 400 students will join the program yearly. Through the ICDL approved training and testing centres, AMSI will also be able to offer the ICDL program to parents and other members of the society.
Mr. George Akhras, CIO at Academia Management Solutions International, said: "It is AMSI's vision to contribute to the ongoing digital transformation and empower students, teachers and parents to become more productive members of society. Our partnership with ICDL GCC Foundation is a major step forward in our continuous efforts to promote digital awareness and we are confident that this will open up new opportunities for long-term collaboration in other mutually beneficial projects. AMSI students and staff members alike are very enthusiastic about this new partnership as ICDL has been renowned worldwide for its focus on quality and excellence."
"The support of educational institutions is crucial in promoting digital awareness across all sectors of society. We are very excited to receive AMSI’s endorsement as this will make ICDL accessible to the student community within the AMSI’s schools and further expand our reach to the educational sector.” said Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation
ICDL and AMSI have also agreed to discuss and explore other potential projects in support of various digital literacy programs that are designed to enhance the computer skills of the general population within the GCC.
Jamil Ezzo further added: “We firmly believe that a digital learning environment enriches students’ educational experience and better prepare them for life, for work and for further learning. It is proven that students who frequently use technology in their learning process perform better in school, and are more motivated to learn. The integration of the ICDL certification program in AMSI’s educational system will not only provide students and teachers with the latest IT skills but ensure that their IT skills are in line with internationally recognized standards.
ICDL is endorsed by more than 22 thousand universities and colleges around the world, including almost all government and private universities and colleges in the GCC which has endorsed ICDL as a prerequisite for enrolment and/or graduation, ICDL is also implemented by all Ministries of Education in the region as a prerequisite for employment and promotion for teaching and administration staff and part of ICT curriculum for students, ICDL is also endorsed by renowned private schools in the region, and is implemented for thousands of students on a yearly basis as part of annual summer camp.
