Eighth centre opens under HP, Microsoft joint venture

A joint investment by HP and Microsoft in collaboraiton with the Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology initiated in 2004, continues to bear fruit.

The eighth Community Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) has been opened at the Employment Training Centre in Old Theatre Street, Valletta and will provide free training courses in information and communication technology (ICT). The move was launched in conjunction with new ICT initiatives for the elderly by IT Minister Austin Gatt.

Malta is striving to become a global ICT hub and will be attracting more ICT companies in addition to those already established on the islands. The Community Technology Learning Centre at the ETC will serve job seekers to improve their ICT knowledge with specialised courses and find new opportunities in the work force.

In line with worldwide commitment of HP and Microsoft to bridge the digital divide, two of the world's largest IT companies, entered into a vertical strategic alliance with the Government under the Hello IT initiative in 2004. HP, through two of their authorised partners in Malta, namely Systec Limited and Fortune Technologies Limited, has contributed towards the provision of HP computers and printers.

HP has also introduced its MAP (Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme), a special training course for entrepreneurs of small businesses and it is being executed in collaboration with the Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT at selected CTLCs.

Microsoft is committed to assist the Government in its mission to expand the information society in Malta. This is being achieved through Microsoft's Unlimited Potential programme. Microsoft Malta Ltd is assisting in the IT literacy programme and the development of IT skills within the communities, develop the CTCLs as potential hubs for e-Government and prepare these centres to help in the delivery of specialised courses for employment opportunities. This initiative is also being made possible through NGOs as execution partners. Apart from the new CTLC at ETC branch in Valletta, the other centres which are run by NGOs are located at the Access Centre in Vittoriosa, the National Council of Women's offices in Blata l-Bajda, the Eden Foundation Complex at Bulebel, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin premises in Floriana, The Richmond Foundation, The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF) in Kordin, and Birkirkara council. Two more centres are expected to open in the coming months.