By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Over 4,000 low-skilled workers in companies will be honed on their computer and information and communication technology (ICT) skills for the second phase of the ‘Better Connections’ programme, a landmark initiative for migrant workers started by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology last year.
The workers will be trained by 335 ‘Digital Champions’ — volunteer workers from labour camps trained by 65 volunteers recruited by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA).
The volunteers and ‘digital champions’ of various nationalities and educational backgrounds, were recognised at a ceremony at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre last night. The volunteers were chosen based on digital literacy expertise and proficiency in a particular language such as Hindi, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu and Tagalog to be used in teaching blue-collar workers.
Honouring the volunteers, ROTA Acting Executive Director Mohammed Al Naama said the key to the success of the initiative is the volunteers and that the “programme will benefit those who took part and have a far-reaching impact on our society.”
The programme is one of the largest public-private consortiums to build low-income workers’ skills and provide them with access to the Internet and other technologies. Workers at labour camps will also be educated on their rights and health and safety at the workplace.
ROTA ICT and Technology Specialist Paul Gerhard said: “The programme will have a huge impact on the lives of transient labourers and their families, providing crucial ICT IT skills.”
Entities involved include the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Foundation, CH2M HILL International B V (CH2M), Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services, Microsoft Qatar and ROTA. The national initiative aims to bridge the digital gap and help workers acquire key technical skills. “With our partners and volunteers, we will continue to support low-income workers, helping them develop key skills and stay connected to the community,” said ROTA Programme Manager Arwa Musaaed.
ROTA’s activities are sponsored by Msheireb Properties.
Msheireb Properties CEO Engineer Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi said: “We are honoured to be collaborating with ROTA on such an important initiative. The development and enhancement of skills and the provision of support for all staff are synonymous with Msheireb, so to have the opportunity to promote this most vital of social functions is one we welcome with enthusiasm.”
The Peninsula
