Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 10th, 2005) IT Based Training and Management Project of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis promises to increase Technological Savvy: among nationals.
The project will target various groups in the society in an attempt to give them greater exposure to information technology by challenging them to "Get With IT" (Information Technology).
Funded by the European Community to the tune of $3.18 million Euro, the project includes a complete overhaul and upgrade of the technological landscape in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Activities of Get with IT include computer skills training at community access points, the construction of computer labs around the island, upgrade of technological equipment in existing school labs, availability of scholarships in information technology, restructuring of the tertiary level curricula to include technological programmes, and upgrading of government's technological management structure among other opportunities.
The Ministry of Tourism is spearheading oversight of the project with assistance from the Planning Unit and the IT unit of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The St. Kitts based project consultant Stuart Black said he was excited about the opportunities the project would provide to nationals who take advantage of it.
Mr Black stated his pleasure with the local ministry's use of local Technological giants at the launch set for November 17th at the Basseterre High School.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr. Osmond Petty says he expects the launch of this important project to generate a high degree of interest by individuals once they realize what it has to offer.
The permanent secretary said the projects stakeholders involve a wide cross section of the society including the private sector, person enrolled in the adult education classes, Non-Formal Youth skills, past sugar workers, CFBC, all young people between the ages of 18-35, computer technicians and aspiring computer technicians as well as those at the technological policy and management levels.
He said that the project is designed to usher in the paradigm shift from an agri-based to a knowledge and technology-based economy.
It is hoped that this will lead to greater productivity, motivation and flexibility within the workforce.
