ICTA's Nenasalas improve quality of ICT literacy in rural areas

Many Ordinary and Advanced Level students in rural areas have certificates in Information Technology (IT) from various training institutions. However, when the same students are actually exposed to a computer, they often have no idea what to do with it, said a media release from ICTA.

This lack of knowledge can be traced back to how IT training courses in these areas are conducted. Generally, 50 or 100 children are placed in a room for lectures. Sometimes a single PC is available for the students to see how a PC works, at a distance in most instances - but, often, not even that is available.

The release said hands-on, practical time is an absolute requirement to obtain a real understanding of IT and the children attending these classes spend money, their parents can ill afford (usually, Rs.5,000 or more) to receive a certificate.

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka offers computer and Internet services. The Nenasala voucher scheme offers free usage of services at these centres.

The Nenasalas hold IT training sessions in small batches where each child receives at least half an hour of practical training per session.

This training, which costs much less than other courses, leaves the child with a good understanding of computers and technology, the release added.