ONLINE WEEK 2016: E-SKILLS - LITERACY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

As society changes, so do the skills that citizens need to have in order to be able to grow up and live in that society in a top-quality manner. Technological progress and a rapid flow of information set before us the demand for computer literacy - the ability to understand and use the opportunities that technology in today's digital world provides to the man for their own well-being and for the well-being of society.

During the Online Week, which takes place from March 14 to 20, people across Serbia will have the opportunity to improve their e-skills and computer skills, as well as those related to the use of the Internet. The aim of the campaign, which began two days ago, is to promote and bring information technology closer to the citizens, as well as to make it possible for them to become computer literate. 

At local schools, libraries and other IT centers, trained volunteers, teachers and others employed for the purpose of the Online Week will assist their fellow citizens with learning to use the Internet and technology in a safe manner, thereby improving their employment prospects and improving their overall quality of life.

The initiative is part of a European campaign that takes place simultaneously in over 20 countries through a series of interesting events, training courses and competitions aimed at emphasizing the key role of IT in today's society.

The campaign is coordinated by the largest European network of organizations dedicated to digital inclusion – Tele-Centers of Europe.

This year’s campaign activities are aimed at raising awareness among citizens about the online services, Internet security, coding and ICT skills. The emphasis will also be put on promoting digital operations, encouraging young people and the unemployed to acquire and improve their computer skills. It is expected that the campaign partners - schools, libraries, non-governmental organizations and other institutions – will be supported, through a series of activities, to wisely, confidently and safely use the Internet by over 5,000 people. 

Ivan Stojilovic, the Program Manager of the IAN Tele-Center, an organization that organizes the Online Week in Serbia for the seventh year in a row, says: “It is important to encourage young people in particular to channel their education and career development to the field of information and communication technology, where the opportunities for interesting and well-paid jobs open up on a daily basis. A third of the population in Serbia is still computer illiterate and has never used the Internet and the computer.” 

Partners of the campaign throughout Serbia will organize a series of events for different age groups, including intergenerational workshops for providing support to elderly citizens in the use of computers and the Internet, shooting of educational films, exploring the platforms for online learning, safe use of the Internet, exploring the possibilities of working over the Internet etc. The campaign is especially focused on the young and unemployed, who will be able to get plenty of information about job opportunities in the ICT industry. During the campaign, a competition for the best photo, video and code, or for developing the best animation or video games, will be traditionally organized.

The symbol of the campaign, which shows the basic activity and which includes all participants of the campaign, is the counter that registers all those who click on it and answer a few questions during the Online Week. 

Everyone is welcome to join some of the activities that are organized in different cities of Serbia. The activities, during which you’ll acquire new skill and have fun, are free!

Further information on the campaign, partners all over Serbia and the competition is available on  http://onlajnnedelja.telecentar.rs/, or you may contact Ivan Stojilovic at  istojilovic@ian.org.rs, or on 063 264 721 or 011/ 322 97 32.

Source: IAN Tele-Centre and Coordination Body