National Telecommunications Regulatory Commisssion
St.Lucia, 2016, April 28
International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by all ITU Member States. It aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year.
According to the International Telecommunications Union, there is an estimated shortfall of over two million (2,000,000) skilled ICT professionals worldwide. Despite the obvious benefits, many girls never even consider a career in ICTs. At the same time, many companies are looking to increase the number of women in the sector. The ICT sector is a growing sector for employment in both developed and developing countries. This means that highly qualified women in technical fields around the world have significant opportunities available to them.
One of the main objectives of the Universal Service Fund is bridging the digital divide by ensuring the availability of efficient and affordable telecommunications services, encourage efficient access, provide support for the introduction and expansion of telecommunications services and promote technological innovation in the telecommunication sector. The Fund is fulfilled by yearly contributions of Telecommunications Providers operating throughout St. Lucia as stipulated by the Telecommunications Act.
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission/Universal Service Fund Office (NTRC/USFO) is joining in on this global initiative by conducting this activity to raise awareness and spark the interest of girls throughout St. Lucia.
The USFO activity took the form of a panel discussion featuring the Upton Garden Girls Centre and the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education, (C.A.R.E) mainly because of their similarity in programmes for girls. The Upton Garden for instance engages in rehabilitation programmes such as, counselling, life and social skills training, character education and empowerment training, continued education, computer literacy skills and career guidance. Other neighboring schools participating were Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, St. Joseph's Convent, Entrepot Secondary and Bocage Government Combined.
The event presenters were from the IT Department of Ministry of Education, Mrs. Natalie Bodley-JnBaptiste, IT Technician and Ministry of Infrastructure, Ms. Cheryl McClauren, IT Manager both presented on the topic of - Opportunities and Careers in ICT and Officers Antione and Celise of the St. Lucia Royal Police Force who presented on- Internet safety and security. The girls got the opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions with the presenters. They also got giveaways and enjoyed the rest of the day with food and drinks.
For more information, please contact Ms. Sandra Jones, Universal Service Fund Administrator at 758-458-2035/0585 or at sjones@ectel.int.
