The Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC) set up 10 Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLCs) with the support of international and local strategic partners including Go, HP, Microsoft, Systec Ltd, Computer Solutions Ltd, and Forestals. The centres are run by non-government organizations and offer the use of computers and Internet facilities, and serve as IT training centres for the community to proliferate ICT literacy. The main aim of these centers that are open during day time for the general public is to increase the accessibility to technology and promote ICT literacy. It is envisaged that MAP will equip them with entrepreneurship knowledge and technology skills necessary to avail from the evolving business markets.
Policy Context
The Ministry’s strategic objectives and main responsibilities are to address the digital divide at all levels in society, and simultaneously improve and enhance the quality of life of the citizens. The Ministry’s ICT strategic priorities are focused on developing the Maltese information society and economy at a local and international level and strengthening the diffusion of ICT in Government.
Description of target users and groups
These CTLC's were all launched jointly with established not for profit organizations. CTLCs are technology-enabled centers which harbour learning, where people attend to gain skills, share information and use technology. The objective of each CTLC is to address the needs of the identified audience as per hereunder: low skilled people, early school leavers, persons in care and others following a rehabilitation programme, women returning to the labour market, persons in employment at risk of becoming redundant, adult job seekers, employers and employees operating in micro and small enterprises.
Description of the way to implement the initiative
Each CTLC has an administrator that handles everyday queries from the community and organizes the training programmes which are offered free of charge. The Non-Government Organisations that run the CTLCs target different segments of society. The Ministry collaborates very closely with the CLTCs and provides Train the Trainers programmes for the CTLC trainers on various ICT literacy programmes and also finances a substantial part of the trainers’ fees.
Technology solution
Government assistance in the setting up of the CTLCs includes the provision of hardware, software and internet connectivity. This assistance is the result of partnership agreements with HP, Microsoft and a main local telephony company, respectively. The MITC will also be assisting in providing financial assistance for the delivery of basic ICT skills programmes. From their end the NGOs provide the premises to host the center and are responsible for the day-to-day operations. They market the Center among their members and people in the community and work with the MITC to customize their ICT services.
Technology choice: Proprietary technology, Standards-based technologyMain results, benefits and impacts
Each CTLC kicked off by organizing a number of services to their in-house members, which were extended to the families of people who acquired their services. Centers are open to the general public. Particular attention was paid to make centers accessible to people with disabilities. Unfortunately, this was not possible with all the centres, however, each CTLC set, was targeted to reach a particular percentage from this audience. This initiative has resulted effective because it offers accessibility to technology to the communities of its surroundings. It is planned to use CTLCs into MAP training centers for the delivery of the HP Micro Accelerated Programme. This training programme is aimed towards micro enterprises, providing them with access to technology. The curriculum focuses on helping micro-entrepreneurs gain awareness and confidence on the use of ICT; gain knowledge and skills in the business applications of ICT; and use ICT to improve their business’ efficiency and growth. The programme is divided into three courses namely: - Introducing Smart Business Tools; - Operations Management and Finance Tools; - Communications and Marketing Tools.
Return on investment
Return on investment: Not applicable / Not availableTrack record of sharing
CTLCs set up in Malta and Gozo are all opened either through not for profit organisations or local councils. These CTLCs initially target their own members of their organizations, then their families and eventually people living in the community. By working with not-for-profit organizations, the MIIIT is reaching to sections of society who require customized programmes in order to be active in the information society. The CTLCs serve as a vehicle to NGOs, as they customize their programmes and address the particular needs of their members.
Lessons learnt
Lesson 1 - Key to involve the private sector to promote eAccessibility. Lesson 2 - Key to partner with different non-government organisations that altogether target a wide variety of segments in society. Lesson 3 - Important to maintain and upgrade the technology provided.
Scope: National