The eGovernment Authority (eGA) is running a series of training programmes for Bahraini citizens across all governorates of the Kingdom aimed at elevating IT literacy and encourage the usage of the eServices available on the eGA’s National Portal (www.bahrain.bh).

This initiative, offered free of charge to Bahraini nationals, is conducted in partnership with Microsoft and the Bahrain Internet Society (BIS). Microsoft is financially sponsoring a number of the courses in coordination with the eGA and BIS, as well as providing the course curriculum free of charge.

The training is administered by a group of Microsoft certified IT professionals, and is based on a curriculum designed by Microsoft to provide the foundation for teaching basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner in order to help individuals gain the skills for today’s “knowledge economy” and broaden digital inclusion, said an official spokesman.

The first stage of the training programmes, which include 18 hours of training in basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, Internet and email, and eight hours on using the eGA National Portal, will include 700 citizens in coordination with the Kingdom’s five governorates.

“We believe that these training programs are the best vehicle to spread awareness and IT literacy across all segments of the Bahraini population and give them the necessary tools to deal with modern technology with knowledge and confidence,” said eGA CEO Mohammed Al Qaed.

“The programmes fall under a number of skill-building initiatives under the eGA strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain,” Al Qaed added.

He further said that the skills involved include training Bahrainis on using computers to increase the number of eServices, as well as training government employees to enable them to handle modern eGA programs and systems.

“We are extremely pleased to be an active partner in this programme which will help in building a knowledge-based society. We at Microsoft strongly believe in education and continuous development because it leads to a developed economy fortified with highly educated and knowledgeable society that is prepared to cope with economic changes,” said general manager of Microsoft Bahrain Badea Isbaai. – TradeArabia News Service