The Information Technology Society of Solomon Islands is collaborating with the Ministry of Communications and Aviation and the Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands to host a national workshop on promoting ICT literacy for all in Honiara. The program will run for 3 days and will begin on the 19th of September and concluding on Thursday.
The program will include a series of workshops, discussion forums on topics ranging from social media, cybercrime and careers talks for students from our secondary schools in Honiara. ITSSI said in a statement that ordinary Solomon Islanders will benefit from listening to local IT practitioners and other professionals who will speak on a variety of topics. Interim President of ITSSI, Marlon Houkarawa, encouraged those who are interested to register their interest or attend the public sessions at either the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel or the Museum Auditorium. "There are topics which will include discussing everyday issues that affect ordinary users of ICT as well as policy issues and other more technical topics. We especially encourage young Solomon Islanders who are interested in a career in IT to attend by seeking the appropriate permission from your respective schools."
All the sessions are conveniently scheduled to fit as many people as possible. For example topics such as looking at the impacts of social media are scheduled for after work hours at 6:30pm to allow as many people to attend to speak on their experiences as well as listen to experienced forum administrators and technical experts speak on a wide range of issues relating to social media.
This national workshop on promoting ICT literacy is an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Aviation. "When we launched the society in 2016, we have always adovcated for increasing awareness and IT literacy among the populace so we are happy that the ministry has taken the initiative to actively seek us out to collaborate on this important event." Houkarawa said.
ITSSI is urging its members to attend sessions. A draft program has been posted online and members can attend all or select those specific topics which they are interested in.
"The aim is to promote literacy and we hope that through active dialogue we will also devise the way forward on tackling this important task of educating our people on the benefits and also the negative impacts of IT. An increased level of awareness will enable our people to make informed decisions without being innundated by the onslaught of information."
ITSSI said one basic premise remains true of today's digital age. "...a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention...” a quote attributed to Herbert A Smith which sums up a lot of the challenges we face today. It is on this premise that ITSSI feels Solomon Islanders must take the initiative to advance their knowledge on IT to be able to filter out the necessary information that truly benefits us and is worthy of our attention.