The Bahrain Society of the Private Training Institutes (BSPTI) has launched a "Digital Literacy" initiative aiming to accelerate the spread of computer education in Bahrain. 

 

It also intends to reduce the digital gap, accelerate digital transformation efforts and build a knowledge economy as envisioned under Bahrain Vision 2030. 

 

The initiative was launched in conjunction with the International Literacy Day, and the social responsibility drive of the society.

 

Nawaf Mohammed Al Jishi, Chairman of BSPTI, said: "We are proud that we have been able to eliminate reading and writing illiteracy since a long time. The training institutes have taken upon themselves the task of eliminating illiteracy in the field of skills and expertise needed to integrate youth in the labour market. We believe that illiteracy is no longer a lack of knowledge of the principles of reading and writing only, but in light of the 4th Industrial Revolution, illiteracy has become the lack of knowledge of the principles and requirements of the new digital age.”

 

"Through our constant monitoring of the needs of the labour market, we found that most jobs, including jobs at the lower levels, require knowledge of the basics of information technology. The institutes currently play an essential role in training Bahrainis in basic computer skills, but we aspire today through this initiative to strengthen this role and make it more comprehensive,” Al Jishi said.

 

He revealed that BSPTI is currently working on communicating with many partners in government and private agencies to join the "Digital Literacy" initiative and work to activate and integrate it with relevant national initiatives such as the "Digital Empowerment in Education" project implemented by the Ministry of Education, in addition to other projects.

 

“This initiative comes within the framework of building ‘Digital Citizenship’, which is the ability of all citizens of all ages, scientific and professional levels to use digital technology and the media in safe, responsible and effective ways. The greater the number of "digitally qualified Bahrainis" the more we will be able to accelerate the digital transformation that includes various sectors like industry, commerce, financial and government services, education and tourism, including productive families, taxi drivers and others," he added.

 

Stressing the significance of this initiative in enhancing the progress of Bahrain on international indicators that measure the progress of human capital, Al Jishi explained that digital literacy is an important topic on the international agendas. 

 

He explained that developed countries such as Ireland have major national projects to enhance the participation of all citizens in the digital society, and build the country's digital capabilities.

 

"We are also proud that in Bahrain there is a well-established training sector, which is constantly developing and carrying out its national responsibilities to achieve the vision of our wise leadership in providing quality training for successive Bahraini generations, activating the powers of Bahraini individuals and raising their contribution to the desired national development." -- Tradearabia News Service