Department of Telecommunications, Science and Technology
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, 2012, April 26
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) responded to the global initiative of celebrating International Girls in ICT Day on 26th April, 2012 with an influx of students visiting various Businesses and Government Agencies across the island.
Some two hundred and fifteen (215) third and fourth form female students from twenty- five (25) secondary schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines were privileged to be a part of this activity organised by the Department of Telecommunications, Science and Technology. Students visited thirty-one (31) private sector and Government agencies for a two-hour session.
The girls were enlightened on how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used in the day-to-day activities of the workplace and were encouraged to get involved in ICTs so that they can be empowered for their future careers.
The students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity afforded them to be exposed to ICTs employed at the workplace. They were very enthusiastic and a large number of them are already planning on the ICT field they will like to pursue.
As a prelude to the Girls in ICT Day event, a Live Panel Discussion was aired on two Radio Stations on Sunday 21st April 2012 to discuss the importance of girls getting more involved in ICTs. The Panel consisted of representatives from Gender Affairs, MAVCOM – a private ICT Company, SVG Community College and the Department of Telecommunication, Science and Technology.
SVG celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
St. Vincent and the Grenadines commemorated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17th May 2012 with a Poster Competition, and a March and Rally. The streets were crowded with private and public sector workers and students from the primary and secondary schools in and around capital Kingstown as they marched to depict "Women and Girls in ICT", which was this year's theme for celebration.
The poster competition was opened to all primary and secondary schools students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 21 years). The theme for the poster competition was "Girls in ICT". There were three categories: under 11 years, 11 – 14 years and 15 – 21 years. Prizes were awarded to the first, second and third places in all categories and also to the youngest entrant in the competition, who was only seven (7) years old. The competition was opened to both male and female.
During the March, all participants carried a sign that indicated a career in ICT to demonstrate to the general public what career in ICT they are already engaged in and what they will be in the future. It is important to note that even some males marched in solidarity with the females, encouraging more women and girls to take up lead roles in the area of ICT.
The Director of Special Projects, Dr. Jerrol Thompson, delivered the feature address during the rally.
