Linden girls learn more about ICT

– as NFMU hosts Tech Day Camp                                  
International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) member states 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).
On Wednesday, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) held a Tech Day Camp at the Lichas Hall, Linden, Region 10, in observance of Girls in ICT Day, which is slated for April 24. The event aimed to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in ICT.
This event saw Grades Nine and 10 female students from several schools in the region being provided with an opportunity to become inspired about the ICT sector by getting a first-hand look into the ICT institutions and listening to women role models, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
NFMU Managing Director Valmikki Singh, during his address to the students, stated that the ICT sector is an evolving one, and as such it is essential for everyone to get involved in it.
“Knowledge is power and in order for you to gain knowledge, you must have information… ICT is a means of eradicating poverty, it is seen a means of empowering human beings and an opportunity to improve our standard of living,” Singh explained.
It is recognised that females are underrepresented in this sector. In this regard, Girls in ICT Day was launched in 2010 by the ITU, as an opportunity for girls and young women to become inspired about the ICT sector. “Today is a groundbreaking day in Region 10, today is the day when we will change the phase of ICT in the region,” Region 10 Education Officer Jennifer Bourne told the students. She said there are many opportunities in the area of ICT, and she expects to see more girls excelling in Information Technology and Electronic Document Preparation Management at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination. She expressed gratitude to the NFMU for hosting such an event in the Region.
Traditionally, employment in the ICT sector, worldwide, is dominated by males.
In this regard, each year, the NFMU has been planning and executing several activities in an effort to ensure that Guyanese women are well-educated and sensitised on ICT and its advantages.
During the event, female ICT professionals spoke about their experiences and expectations working in tge sector, and the many and growing prospects within, after which the students had the opportunity to interact with the presenters.
During the question-and-answer segment, one student queried how ICT can be used in the area of agriculture. Singh explained that there are new techniques every day that require the need for technology in the area of agriculture. He said farmers can use technology to market produce.
ICT is one of the primary sectors to catalyse economic growth and sustainable development. Recognising this fact, the Government of Guyana, through initiatives such as the as E-Government, One Laptop Per Family and computer labs for schools, has been making significant investments in ICT, thereby availing technology to every Guyanese, and building the foundation upon which female citizens can expand their boundaries.