The Dubai Government’s drive towards e-governance is set to pick up further momentum with the launch of two new IT certification programs, the ‘eCitizen‘ and the ‘eEmployee’.
The new certification programs are aimed at increasing computer and Internet literacy, among government employees and citizens of Dubai, to maximize the benefits and usage of the Government’s eServices.
The certification programs are a joint initiative involving Dubai eGovernment, ICDL-UAE, UNESCO, the ECDL-F and Element K Middle East. The first program will commence in December 2003. Dubai eGovernment will monitor the standards and implementation of the program.
The ‘eCitizen’ program has been developed by the European Computer Driving License Foundation, the recognized standard for computer literacy in over 120 countries and is endorsed by UNESCO for all Arabic speaking countries. The ‘eCitizen’ program is designed to help the public better understand how eServices work and help move them away from the traditional methods of learning. The program will provide basic competence in IT and familiarise citizens with Internet and email as well as other key aspects of eServices such as eBanking and eGovernment.
The second program, ‘eEmployee’, is a double certification program, combining “ICDL-Start” certification with three additional courses of instruction selected by eGovernment to meet the specific needs of Dubai’s Government. The ‘eEmployee’ course of instruction will initially be available to all eligible employees of Dubai’s Government Departments and will further enhance their ability to provide the highest levels of eServices. The course will subsequently cover a wide range of topics related to IT and will include the ICDL-Start Certification. The more advanced management courses will comprise Harvard courses covering, amongst others, business communications, negotiations and program management. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
