By Bahle Gama
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is piloting a digital literacy outreach programme.
This is part of advancing the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ‘Girls in ICT’ agenda.
ESCCOM Manager Consumer Affairs and Communications Fisiwe Vilane said the Commission staff, representing various ICT expert areas were at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) FNB Cyberspace Computer Laboratory to conduct a two-day session with female pupils from Swazi National High School that began on Thursday.
ALSO READ: ESCCOM renews Channel Yemaswati, VOC licences
This initiative is in partnership with the University of Eswatini, and technology company, Huawei Eswatini and a career guidance coach.
“A total of 53 girls who are in Form 5 are part of this session and are being empowered on subject choices that support ICTs, specialty areas within ICTs, career opportunities in ICT as well as the role of technology in supporting other careers that are not core-ICT,” Vilane said.
She said the ITU Girls in ICT programmes recognise the low levels of participation and leadership of Women in the ICT space, not just in Eswatini but globally.
Therefore, ESCCOM seeks to spark interest and support the girl child to take advantage of the available opportunities, especially given the rise of new ICT jobs across the world.
ALSO READ: ESCCOM donates gadgets worth E420 000 to schools, Minister Savannah officiates handover
Meanwhile, ESCCOM Human Resource Siyabonga Khumalo spoke about the Girls in ICT scholarship application process, selection criteria, and the monitoring model to ensure that this funding opportunity achieves its objectives.
Vilane disclosed that Madoda Nxumalo, who is from the Science Faculty of UNESWA also presented to students about the various courses offered by the institution including specialization areas as well as the entry requirements.
Career guidance advisor, Sibongile Sukati, advised on subject combinations, personality matches, and career choices.
ALSO READ: ESCCOM, FSRA MoU to regulate digital non-banking financial services
“The girls will be hearing from different ICT professionals who will present their actual duties and who will also be available for consultation by students.
At the end of the two days, the team will then evaluate the exercise and continue engaging with other high schools that could potentially host sessions in the future,” said Vilane.
