At least 100 Tanzanians stand to benefit from the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certification, introduced for the first time in the country by an approved local training and research institute in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam.
International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)
According to the Director General of Dar es Salaam-based MK Centre, Mr Ibrahim Ugulumu, the two-month course, to be co-ordinated by the University Computer Centre (UCC) will be officially launched on May 6, this year.
The ICDL is recognised as an international standard for end-user computing skills and is endorsed by a number of universities, colleges and schools worldwide. To obtain the ICDL, a student must sit for an internationally administered examination and pass seven modules. It certifies that the holder has the knowledge and skill needed to use the most common applications practically and productively.
Mr Ugulumu said the ICDL, which mainly targets employees from government and private institutions, non- state actors and individuals, certifies that the holder has the knowledge and skill needed to use the most common applications practically and productively. To obtain the ICDL, a candidate must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools.
He said at the end of the programmes, candidates are expected to be able to understand health and safety and environmental issues in relation to using computers and recognise important security issues associated with using computers. They will also be able to recognise important legal issues in relation to copyright and data protection associated with using computers.
“It is for the first time in Tanzania that candidates will be able to acquire leading international computer skills. ICDL is for anyone who wants to certify their computer skills according to an international industry standard. In some countries no employee gains promotion without obtaining this qualification,” Mr Ugulumu pointed out.
The ICDL is the only European Union recognised IT qualification at present. Worldwide it is administered by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation. In Sub Saharan Africa (excluding Zimbabwe), it is administered by ICDL South Africa, a non-profit body established by the Computer Society of South Africa.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) requires students to hold an ICDL before they can progress to some subjects or obtain some degrees in Science and Commerce.
A number of large companies in more than 33 countries recognise the benefits of this new technology and have made it a corporate goal to have staff complete the ICDL, often subsidising training and testing.
Source Tanzania Daily News
