UTB commits to intensify ICT training through ICDL as 40 RRA staff graduate in digital skills

ICDL Africa is a subsidiary of ICDL Foundation headquartered in Kigali where it started operations in 2015. ICDL now operates in over 100 countries worldwide.

The Event that took place on 25th October, was organized by ICDL Africa in collaboration with Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) that was representing the Workforce and University of Tourism Business and Technology (UTB) representing the Education Sector as the first University in East, west, and Central Africa to incorporate the ICDL Programme in their curriculum.

In her opening speech, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Irere Claudette stressed on the good working relationship the Ministry has had with ICDL Africa and in her own words, she has enjoyed working with ICDL as “What ICDL Promises, they always deliver”.

The ICDL Foundation CEO Damien O’Sullivan welcomed the audience thanking the ICDL Africa and the ATCs that were present for having organized a very successful event.

Damien O’Sullivan clarified the importance of new technology that is coming on board. With concrete examples, he pointed out how the use of ICT is changing into Digital labor but also Changing nature of labor whereby in terms of intelligence work.

He reiterated the major role of any Revenue Authority in a country, and this, therefore, should be a chance to be considered for employees to enhance their digital skills.

Regarding UTB, he mentioned that ICDL is not only needed in the Workforce but also in the education sector. Through learning and certifying in ICDL, it will be an added recognition for a student in the job market.

Addressing himself to the audience, UTB’s vice chancellor, Prof. Callixte Kabera was delighted to have received an award from ICDL Africa in recognition of the University being the first in the region to integrate the ICDL programme in their academic curriculum.

The Deputy Commissioner for Information and Technology at Rwanda Revenue Authority, Arlette Munezero who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner-General appreciated the award given to RRA in recognition of approving ICDL to be the Digital Skills Standard and acknowledged the importance of ICDL to be part of RRA workforce.

She stated that she believes after the workforce training, her department will have enough time to focus on other areas of great impact to the institution as the majority of the workforce will not be calling for support on issues that they can easily resolve with the skills they learn in ICDL.

She closed her remarks by expressing her appreciation towards the leadership of the Government of Rwanda and the ICDL foundation for selecting Rwanda as headquarter of ICDL Africa.

A total of 40 staff from RRA received their certificates after completing the Seven ICDL modules recommended by the Government of Rwanda. They were trained in digital skills including Computer Essentials, Online Essentials, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Skills, Online Collaboration, and IT Security. From this, twenty were selected and trained in the training of trainers’ programme. They will be training the rest of the RRA staff in ICDL as the institution has agreed to certify all their staff in digital skills.

The Tax Appeals Officer at Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Gonzague Nsabyimana said ICDL provides high digital skills required for the workforce. “RRA is like the heart of the country’s economy as its wealth comes from taxes. This requires that the work is done effectively and quickly in accordance with world digital practices. The training we received will change the way we do our work,” he said.

Present in the event were at least eight of 15 Rwandan institutions that are offering ICDL Programme including Rwanda Management Institute (RMI), National Post Office (IPOSITA), Nu-Vision High School, Kind David Academy, Computer Learning Center, Life International Christian Academy, Business Development Fund (BDF), Smart village and Urukundo Village.

In her vote of thanks, the ICDL Africa Regional Manager, Solange Umulisa, thanked all in attendance and assured all the commitment the Regional Office working together with partners has to ensure success in equipping the population with digital skills across Africa.