2011 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) Initiatives

Jidaw systems (Jidaw) an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) career and entrepreneurship development firm has participated in and organized several events this year in Nigeria, Africa to mark the 2011 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD). The programs organized in conjunction with the African Information Security Association (AISA) are based on the original WTISD theme Better Life and Security with ICTs in rural communities" from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Based on the 2011 theme, Jidaw held a special session "Better Life with ICTs in Rural communities on May 14, 2011 during its regular Free Information Technology Career seminar.

On May 18, 2011, Jidaw´s Founder, Jide Awe was the Guest on the Silverbird Television TV morning show "Today on STV" during the section on the WTISD which discussed the theme, ICT for development and implications for growth in Africa's rural communities.

On June 2, 2011, Jidaw held a young IT entrepreneur training program for selected children of Command Day Secondary School in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Issues and Observations

Outcomes have been positive and awareness and interest has been generated.

But stakeholders need to move beyond interest to commitment. Beyond the annual events stakeholders have not committed to ongoing educational programs especially safety initiative programmes designed for schools in the use of technology. These programs are required in schools to make Better Life and Security with ICTs for Children a reality.

As a follow up to the 2009 and 2010 events the African Children Cyber Safety Initiative plans to further mark the 2011 WTISD through the Better Life and Security with ICTs for Children in rural communities" Forum

The future is bright when better life with ICTs is made a priority, especially in matters involving the young.

Full Report is on: 2011 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day