ICDL GCC Foundation steps up campaign to promote IT literacy in Oman through partnerships with academic sector

ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) program, has recently granted ICDL certification to 69 students of the Azzan Bin Qais Private School in Oman, as part of the Foundation’s intensified support for the Omani government’s efforts to establish a fully integrated digital society. The event marks ICDL GCC Foundation’s move to step up its campaign to promote computer proficiency across the Sultanate’s education sector by forging strategic partnerships with local academic institutions and encouraging the adoption of the ICDL standard as a benchmark for digital literacy.

ICDL GCC Foundation lauded Azzan Bin Qais for its continued efforts to introduce computer proficiency courses to its students at all grades. Since its adoption of the ICDL standard in 2004, the school has remained totally committed to providing the necessary tools and equipments needed to upgrade the computer skills and abilities of its students, thereby paving the way for better career opportunities in future.

Mrs. Suad Bint Muhammad Al Muzaffar, Principal, Azzan Bin Qais Private School, said, “Adopting the ICDL standard has allowed us the opportunity of broadening the future career prospects of our students. The program has widely been received by our students and is reflected in the recent awarding of the 69 ICDL certificates to students from various grades. Moreover, Azzan Bin Qais remains steadfast in its commitment to promote IT literacy among its students by enhancing their knowledge in using computers and the internet, enabling them to integrate this knowledge into their daily applications later on. To help complement this, the school is now contemplating on expanding its ICDL program offerings, enabling more students to participate in the program.”

The Omani Ministry of Education has mandated the adoption of the ICDL program as an integral part of the IT-based curriculum for students in the 11th grade. According to statistics from the Ministry, the total number of 11th grade students in Oman has reached 55,000, a figure that has been consistent over the past five years. Furthermore, the number of academic institutions that have adopted the ICDL standard continues to increase year after year.

Rania Al Qaisi, Spokesperson, ICDL GCC Foundation, said, “Partner schools like Azzan Bin Qais play a key role in our efforts to promote digital literacy in Oman. The 69 students who have received their certification mark a significant step that leads us closer to our goal of establishing a fully integrated digital society. Adopting the ICDL standard not only provides students with a certificate that recognises their computer knowledge and abilities but also opens their doors to better career and business opportunities in future.”

“Moreover, we commend the school for its extreme dedication in adopting ICDL as a criterion for spreading IT literacy and reaffirm our support to help reach common goals, both in the short term and in the future,” said Al Qaisi.

ICDL is an integrated digital literacy program recognised worldwide. The program empowers individuals with the essential skills and knowledge of computer and practical use of common desktop applications. The program is based on a recognised global standard acknowledged through testing and proves that the certificate holder has fundamental skills in IT, using the computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and information and communication (Internet and e-mail). ICDL is endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organisations and is accredited by more than 168 countries and available in more than 40 languages.