Linden girls exposed to ICT
Students visiting the Digicel booth at the event
Students visiting the Digicel booth at the event

– as NFMU hosts Tech Day Camp

INTERNATIONAL Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by 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).

National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) Managing Director, Valmikki Singh during his address to the students at the ICT Tech Day Camp at Lichas Hall, Linden, Region 10
National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) Managing Director, Valmikki Singh during his address to the students at the ICT Tech Day Camp at Lichas Hall, Linden, Region 10

On Wednesday, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) held a Tech Day Camp at Lichas Hall, Linden, Region 10, in observance of Girls in ICT Day slated for April 24. The event was intended to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
This event saw 9th and 10th grade female students from several schools in the region being provided 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.
NFMU Managing Director Valmikki Singh, in 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.

A student asking a question 
A student asking a question

“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 as a means of empowering human beings and an opportunity to improve our standard of living,” Singh explained.
It is recognised that females are under-represented in this sector. In this regard, Girls in ICT Day was launched in 2010 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an opportunity for girls and young women to become inspired about the sector.
“Today is a ground-breaking day in Region 10, today is the day when we will change the face of ICT in the region,” Regional Education Officer, Region 10,  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 EDPM at the CSEC Examination. She expressed gratitude to the NFMU for hosting the event in the Region.
Traditionally, employment in the ICT sector, worldwide, is dominated by males. And so each year, the NFMU has been planning and executing several activities in an effort to ensure that Guyanese women are well educated and sensitised to ICT and its advantages.
During the event, female ICT professionals spoke about their experiences and expectations working in the sector, and the many and growing prospects it offers, after which the students had the opportunity to interact with them.
During the question and answer segment, one student queried how ICT can be used in the area of agriculture. Singh explained that everyday there are new techniques that require the need for technology in the area of agriculture. He said one can use technology to market his or her 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.
(GINA)

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