ICT literacy campaign launched in Rulindo

The Government of Rwanda has invested heavily in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Since inception of the first national ICT strategy and plan in 2000, Rwanda has registered a number of milestones that has significantly transformed the way the Rwandan business and society uses technology.

It is in this context that the Ministry of Youth and ICT with its partners launched this campaign at Rulindo District on Thursday, January 17, 2013. The launch will be followed by a series of countrywide awareness events scheduled during a period of one year.

During the launch, Hon. Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana said that the program targets all Rwandans so that they can embrace ICT easily in their everyday life
200,000 Rwandans during this 6 months campaign will get the opportunity to learn how to use computers,” said Minister Nsengimana, and urge all schools and all telecenters across Rwanda to teach local residents how to use computers generally.

The minister also noted that Rulindo District is on the forefront to implement all ICT policies, while the Governor of Northern Province; Aime Bosenibamwe said that is need We need to embrace ICT to continue developing our national.

As of October 2012, Rwanda has 5,2 million users of active mobile subscribers; a large number of businesses that rely on ICT to conduct their business ranging from tourism and hotels, airlines, banks and indeed every major business in Rwanda, conduct a fair amount of its business using some form of communications on a day to day basis. The Government of Rwanda has also deployed several online services, which is largely available online or via mobile phones.

Despite these developments, still a large number of people is not ICT literate (Less than 4% of citizens of 6 years and above are computer Literate) and have not fully utilized the potential of ICT tools and services due to lack of awareness or other limitations that have to be identified and overcame.

The minister also commended all partner institutions during the National ICT Literacy and Awareness Campaign. The Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT) has parterned together the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the Rwanda Education Board (REB), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Private Sector Federation (PSF) together.

The “National ICT Literacy and Awareness Campaign” is aimed at to creating awareness and usage of ICT services, content and applications, to increase the ICT Literacy, educate and train the masses and businesses on the potential of ICT to drive competitiveness, efficiency, transparency as well as civic participation.

The purpose of the campaign is to drive change and make more Rwandans utilize their investment in ICT in a productive and efficient manner.

During the launching of the ICT Literacy & Awareness Campaign companies demonstrated the online & SMS based services they offer to citizens.