ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body of the International Computer Driving License programme in the Gulf states and Iraq, recently launched the 10th edition of its computer summer camps.

The ICDL Computer Summer Camps 2011 will run in cooperation with Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, Sharjah University, Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, Kuwait University in Kuwait, Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, in addition to various ICDL approved centers and independent schools in these states and in Qatar.
The camps will extend throughout the summer period, providing an exclusive opportunity for students to enhance their IT competency in accordance with the ICDL standards.

“The ICDL Summer Camps offer a truly unique, entertaining and effective way of cultivating the IT competency of the youth in the UAE and in the rest of the GCC,” said Jamil Ezzo, director general of ICDL GCC Foundation.

“Moreover, the continuing success of the summer camps for the past 10 years will certainly add momentum to ICDL’s long-term campaign to further boost the region’s digital awareness,” he added.

ICDL Summer Camps 2011 participants aged 18 and below will undergo an intensive training programme in a creative and fun environment that lasts between four to five weeks and will allow them to achieve the ICDL 'Start' certification.

The camps aim to complement the educational reform to eliminate digital illiteracy within educational systems in schools and universities, and create a motivating, self learning environment for students.

“Over the years, the ICDL Summer Camps have attracted tens of thousands of female and male students in the region, underscoring the success of our collaboration with key government institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Education Council, and private sector organizations in reaching out to a much broader cross-section of the region’s youth,” Ezzo said.

“The visionary leadership of the heads of state in the GCC and the proactive efforts of the education ministries that continue to support, endorse and believe in ICDL’s mission, have likewise been crucial in ensuring the continuing success of the summer camps and other initiatives of ICDL in the GCC,” he added.

All candidates across the region will receive a bag-full of giveaways including stationery and vouchers while top achievers will walk away with valuable gift items, Ezzo said. – TradeArabia News Service