EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS
400 Youth Receive Computer Training Course with Help from the American People
May 16, 2007
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| Youth graduate from their four-month computer training... |
As part of helping expand economic opportunities for the Lebanese, the U.S. Government is providing affordable wireless Internet connectivity in rural areas, through a network of information technology academies called PICTAs. PICTAs (Professional Computer Association ICT Academies) are part of a nationwide initiative that aims to equip youth with key information technology skills to prepare them to enter the workplace. The program also exposes them to international markets for their businesses. This U.S.-funded initiative is implemented by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) in partnership with the Professional Computer Association. Six centers have been equipped as wireless Internet centers. These centers are located in Nabatiyeh, Bint Jbeil, Baalback, Batroun, Qana and Marjayoun, benefiting more than 2,000 individuals including women and youth. This initiative falls under the U.S. Government-funded Access to International Markets through Information Technology (AIM-IT) program implemented by IESC. Funded at a level of $3.3 million, this two-year program is three-fold. It prepares information technology firms for export and increases their export revenues. It also provides rural businesses and other users with affordable ICT access. And finally, the program uses ICT to increase the competitiveness of rural businesses.
For the most up-to-date information on U.S. assistance to Lebanon, please read the Lebanon Situation Reports available at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.
