Ogboju – ICT training begins January 9

As the rest of the world advances in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Centre of Technological Innovation Inc. (SVGNCTI INC.) is ensuring that Vincentians are not left behind.{{more}}

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday, December 13, SVGNCTI INC’s manager Raymond Ogboju said the institution has worked towards raising the level of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills in the Vincentian society.

He noted that NCTI continues to play a critical role in providing Vincentians with access to global benchmarks in end-user computer skills programmes, providing necessary ICT skills and certification that will enable social inclusion to narrow the digital divide and allow for meaningful participation in today’s global economy.

The institution has as its mission statement: to facilitate the expansion, strengthening and sustainability of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Ogboju, the aim is to follow through on the mission statement and take it to the next level.

“What we are really trying to do is push ICT as far as possible across St Vincent and the Grenadines. We are doing this through the training courses that are offered at our building in Kingstown, as well as the use of the LRC, so that we can actually reach out to the wider communities and provide ICT training,” he explained.

NCTI offers a number of ICT courses at different levels: Elementary – Introduction to Computers, Computer Applications and Information Processing, Telemarketing and Customer Care Service.

Basic – International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)using Microsoft Office Suite.

Intermediate level – CompTIA A+ Certification (CompTIA A+), CompTIA Network+ Certification (CompTIA N+) and Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW).

Advanced – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

“Starting January 9, 2012, these courses will be made available to interested persons seeking to advance themselves in the field of ICT,” Ogboju added.

The NCTI manager also disclosed that there are plans to introduce programs targeting parents of students who have been given netbook computers.

“We know that there is some interest from the schools where they are taking on board ICT initiatives…

“The kids are using the net-books and we want to introduce programs in the communities where parents can understand what the netbooks are. We would also introduce them (the parents) to the programs that are used on them, how their children connect to the Internet and how to safeguard their kids from the Internet.”

According to Ogboju, in 2012, the SVGNCTI will be taking Information and Communications Technology to the next level.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines National Centre of Technological Innovation Inc. (SVGNCTI INC.), formerly the National Institute of Technology, was incorporated under the St. Vincent and Grenadines Companies Act of 1994 on February 13, 2007.(AA)