On Thursday, 27th April, 2023 the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) commemorated International Girls in ICT Day with the launch of its Girls In ICT Mentorship Program, under the theme “Adopt a Mentee.”
Speaking at the launch Assistant Director of the E-Government Unit, ITSD, Simone Joseph - Ollivierre gave an overview of the Program. Mrs. Joseph-Ollivierre said that "The Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) Mentorship Program "Adopt a Mentee" is created as part of the Girls in ICT initiative. This program is specifically geared towards empowering girls and young women to choose careers in ICT and STEM, to develop digital skills and for personal and professional development." She also highlighted the objectives of the programme which are to:
- Empower more girls and young women to choose careers in ICT and STEM
- Provide guidance to girls and young women in determining the path on their career journey
- Build confidence in girls and young women by encouraging their interests and developing digital skills by using ICT tools
- Create a space where mentees can tap into the knowledge, skills and experience of women in ICT and STEM
- Provide guidance, support and advice to help the mentee achieve their academic and personal goals
Deputy Director of ITSD, Jacqueline Creese in her remarks indicated that , “Over the years, the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD), in collaboration with the private sector and other public sector agencies, in particular the Ministry of Education, has organised numerous visits to business places where female students from forms 3 and 4 across the country were given the opportunity to spend at least three hours in an office environment where they were exposed to ICTs, and were able to learn from women in ICT at those business places and government agencies.”
Ms. Creese also noted that women play a key role in the reduction of poverty and the promotion of social and economic development, for themselves, their families and their countries.
The program is expected to run for a duration of one year from Thursday, 27th April, 2023 to Thursday, 25th April, 2024.
The Registration period commenced Thursday, 27th April and will continue for the next two weeks (until 12 May, 2023). Girls under 18 must have parental consent before they can become a mentee. The International Girls in ICT Day was established in 2011 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Click here to become a mentor or mentee.