Free IT courses to help combat IT illiteracy among the elderly are being organised by the Malta Communications Authority at 12 different centres across Malta and Gozo.

Addressing a press conference at the Birkirkara council, Parliamentary Secretary for Care of the Elderly Franco Mercieca said the courses will begin later this month.

Government, he said, was committed to lowering the level of computer illiteracy and promoting eGovernance.

Some 67 per cent of elderly are completely computer illiterate he said.

The 20-hour comprehensive course will cover IT essentials like email use, online payment, and basic searches, he said.

Also present for the ceremony was Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis who said that people should not use age, gender and employment status as an excuse to stay away from the digital world. “We need everyone online if we really want to achieve a forward-looking inclusive society and a digital economy that seeks to advance and prosper in the years to come” he said.

Applications can be made by telephone on 2590 3137 or 2590 3173. Applications close October 18.