Since 2015, International Computer Driving License (ICDL) has been working with the Government of Rwanda to train Rwandans in ICDL programs to enable them to become digital experts, efficient users of the computer applications in the workplace.
ICDL provides knowledge and skills in using a computer and its applications.
ICDL Africa is a subsidiary of ICDL Foundation headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and is responsible for the management and growth of the ICDL programme throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
ICDL Africa works directly with Governments across the continent to advocate for an international standard in digital skills among citizens in education and the workforce.
The Market Development Executive at ICDL Africa, Alice Umurerwa said that Rwanda, through Ministry of Information Technology & Communications chose seven modules that citizens can train in although the trainees can opt to learn more.
She said: “ICDL Africa office in Rwanda was established in 2015 before which the sub-Saharan African activities were being coordinated from South Africa. ICDL certificate guarantees candidates are equipped with computer skills and knowledge, being digitally competent, to successfully use computers in the workplace or for their day to day activities.”
She stated that ICDL together with its partners has experienced and knowledgeable trainers and that the skills learnt enhance the candidates’ productivity.
The skills learnt are not limited to office productivity but also helps the general population in terms of business development and sustainability plus always remaining secure while using the computers.
Ms. Umurerwa said that “we would be pleased to see the skills learnt through the programme empower and change the lives of Rwandans.”
The ICDL programme consists of a variety of modules that cover a wide range of digital skills. The modules are divided into four categories which include Introductory, Base, Intermediate and Advanced, covering the various levels of Digital Proficiency.
For the past 10 years, ICDL Africa has established a network of Accredited Test Centers (ATC) who offer both training and testing in the ICDL modules, to individuals and organizations in both the public and the private sector.
ICDL Africa has a network of 15 Accredited Tests Centers (ATC) in Rwanda among them Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and University of Tourism and Business (UTB).
The Coordinator of the ICDL Programme in the University of Business and Tourism (UTB), Asher Emmanuel said that ICDL programme is in line with the government’s digital talent policy which seeks a digitally literate workforce and population in general.
“In September 2017, we signed an agreement with ICDL Africa to be an institution that provides ICDL training, testing, and certification. Eight lecturers at the university were trained and they are playing a major role in facilitating training to the student population. We held an awareness campaign with the students about that programme and they are all willing to take the programme. Starting with 2018/2019 academic year, every student at UTB is required to train and certify in ICDL,” he said.
He emphasized that “Someone who trained in ICDL programme is able to do their research and work quickly which is the focus of the institution.”
UTB will offer certificates to at least 50 students who will have completed the seven modules that the university has set as the minimum in December this year.
ICDL Africa and the government of Rwanda through the former Ministry of Youth and ICT signed an MoU to certify 85,000 employees of central and local government and the public across Rwanda.
In January 2016 a pilot project was started for a period of nine months to train Civil Servants starting with the Security Sector.
The training was funded by the government through the National Capacity Building Secretariat. 146 candidates were trained, tested, and graduated in 4 base modules and 3 intermediate modules as per the MoU.
In 2018, Rwanda Revenue Authority became an accredited Test center and they target to train all their workforce in ICDL. A group of 40 staff members have been trained and certified in seven modules. The institution is focused to have in-house training for their staff and that is why they certified 20 of the staff trained to be trainers.
ICDL also operates globally throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
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