W Cape govt buys into ICDL

Johannesburg, 22 Jan 2008

Western Cape education department officials are gunning for their International Computer Driving Licences (ICDL).

The provincial government's Centre for e-Innovation and the Western Cape Education Department recently commissioned Work Skills Resources to implement the ICDL programme to almost 100 Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) staff.

"We felt the ICDL programme was the only initiative that offered a packaged solution for our needs," says Ronwynne Rhoda, ICT project manager at the Centre for e-Innovation.

Already boasting a high level of computer literacy, all the EMDC candidates are now on their way to becoming fully qualified holders of the ICDL certificate.

"This qualification has certainly uplifted and empowered the candidates and all of them have been incredibly enthusiastic about the programme," says Rhoda. "They realise the benefits of having an international qualification and view this as an invaluable opportunity."

ICDL CEO Jennifer van Niekerk says obtaining ICDL certification requires commitment and dedication. A candidate must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The candidate has to pass four modules to obtain the "Start Certificate" and all seven modules for a "Full Certificate" with a 75% pass mark.

"The ICDL is recognised as the global standard in end-user computer skills and for the past 10 years the ICDL Foundation has worked to raise the level of ICT skills in society, to increase users' confidence in computer usage and to enable access to the information society for all citizens," says Van Niekerk.

She adds that independent studies have shown that, after completing the ICDL certification, users can save time and money for their employers.

ICDL certification is available in 150 countries globally and has been translated into 38 languages. The ICDL has been adopted by governments, international organisations, the international business community and more recently the SA Department of Correctional Services.

The Department of Communications has also shown an interest in the ICDL qualification by sponsoring 2 000 unemployed candidates to participate in the programme through Further Education and Training Colleges.