MALAYSIA ICT VOLUNTEER (MIV) PROGRAMME HELPS GROOM DIGITAL CITIZENS IN SARAWAK
KUCHING, 24 June 2016 --- Through the Malaysia ICT Volunteer (MIV) Programme, people living around nine 1Malaysia Internet Centres (PI1M) are being groomed to become digital citizens.
Organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the MIV Programme is a creative platform where Malaysians are recruited from different backgrounds to teach, guide and empower individuals and communities to improve their digital literacy and become smart digital citizens.
The MIV programme interacts with four focus groups, namely with the community, students at the institutions of higher learning, international ICT volunteers (IIV) and school teachers.
The first phase of the MIV with the community, which was officially launched in Kampung Pandan, Lundu, Sarawak, in late February, has been completed. The nine centres involved besides Lundu are Samarahan, Simunjan, Betong, Kanowit, Mukah, Song, Miri and Bau.
At a media session to share updates and key learning experiences, Eneng Faridah Iskandar, Senior Director of the Advocacy and Outreach of MCMC explained, “For MIV’s pilot project with the community, we were surprised by the enthusiastic response received, where 117 signed up at the nine centres to become volunteers.
“Thereafter, 40 volunteers residing around the selected centres were recruited and trained to work at the nine selected PI1Ms. For this phase, the goal was to get the communities to focus on the promotion of community products or services.”
As the strategic partners at PI1M, the volunteers are recognised as the ‘nucleus of change’ as they engage, impart knowledge and train the communities to embrace ICT, apply and practice it locally for their own needs, products and services.
The MIV with Community programme will enter its second phase in early August, as the volunteers will assist to enhance and widen the market reach of the various businesses already groomed earlier.
As their businesses start to grow through concerted ICT channels, this will bring positive effects on the living standards and quality of life for the respective individuals and communities.
For additional enquiries and information, visit the MIV Programme’s website at www.miv.mcmc.gov.my, its facebook site at MalaysiaICTVolunteer, email to [email protected] or call 03-8688 8800.