The expansion of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) social upliftment programme to empower previously disadvantaged rural and underserviced peri-urban communities through increased access to information is to be launched by North West Province Premier Mme Thandi Modise at Madiba a Toloane Secondary School in Jericho outside Brits today.
The objective of the Ulwazi Express programme supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology is to catalyse the integration of people from rural communities into the mainstream economy by providing them with general knowledge, current information on matters of public interest and importance including career guidance.
The roll-out of the programme has been in operation for the past two years and is currently running at 27 sites in the province was approved by the Provincial Executive Council in November last year to contribute towards development of the knowledge economy in the North West Province.
Premier Mme Thandi Modise has expressed optimism that the programme which offers free access to educational and informative content through enhance ICT digital infrastructure to beneficiaries will improve innovation.
“Innovation only flourishes in an educated society hence the programme seeks to create better informed communities through the world class local and international informative content” added Premier Modise.
The programme is facilitating the building of a knowledge based economy through an informative and educational channel to Thusong centres, Tele-centres, Educational-Support centres, clinics, schools and Further Education and Training centres.
The Consul General of Uganda to South Africa, Hon Wilson Karinge who will be accompanied by three visiting Members of Parliament attending the Commonwealth Conference will also grace the launch scheduled to commence at 10h00.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 0866204802
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
