A key department of Qatar's Aspire Sports Academy has been designated as an International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) accredited centre.

The Quality Management, Education and Social Affairs (QESA) Department has been certified by ICDL, an internationally recognised and accepted qualification that enables people to demonstrate their competence in core computer skills and IT knowledge, as a training and testing center.

One of the academy’s core aims is the provision of an exceptional physical, social and educational learning environment, utilising the most advanced tools and methods available at the forefront of the educational sphere.

Qesa will certify Aspire students with ICDL so they can face their future with relevant information technology skills, said a statement.

Each student will devote time and effort to the course over a period of two years before achieving certification. This certification will be delivered to Aspire students using the latest technology in the education field, along with the ICT and other integrated subjects for an exceptional education, teaching methods and cooperative learning.

“Aspire initiated a stronger emphasis on new technologies for its curriculum, and reflecting the ever increasing importance of communication technologies, we are delighted to cooperate with the ICDL foundation,” said academy’s dean and director of Qesa Professor Dr. Dieter Hackfort

“In addition, we have not only initiated the certification of students but also started courses for parents and staff, utilizing the latest software and hardware in our special designed computer labs. A member of Qesa staff is already a Certified Training Professional.”

The broad aims of the course include establishing a global benchmark for general computer skills competency and ICT knowledge; providing an essential qualification that allows all people to participate in the Information Society; facilitating increased mobility across the workforce and wider community and providing a passport to IT usage and application for further or vocational education..

Aspire started running the course for students at the start of this academic year, and all those attending entered the ICDL ATS exams, with the hope that all students will have been given the benefit of the training within three years.

Qesa has also expanded the scope to include courses for the Aspire Parents' Representative Board's members. Four hours of lessons each week are delivered free of charge. – TradeArabia News Service