IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, Minister of Communications, Planning and Minister of State for Administrative Development has stressed the importance of combatting computer-related illiteracy. The Minister mentioned in the preface he wrote for the second edition of a special publication on Kuwait's electronic government (e-government) that eradication of such an illiteracy will lay the groundwork for computerizing and mechanizing government projects in Kuwait. "We need to accept the idea of gradually moving from manual and paperwork to electronic work, by requalifying workforce through training," the Minister, who is also chairman of Kuwait e-government committee, said. "Decision-makers themselves should use new technology such as computers and the Internet to carry out daily tasks, and become a role model for others ة every decision-maker should work to support information centers and make the institution they chair electronic-communication dependent, to save time and effort," he added.

Meanwhile, academics at Kuwait University (KU) have stressed the importance of starting computer training at an early age to overcome the fear of using modern technology. The remarks were made by Assistant Deputy Rector for Academic Services Dr Anwar Al-Yatama and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Higher Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Hussein Al-Ansari. Dr Al-Yatama said computer illiteracy should be tackled in all government sectors and employees should pass computer courses, especially those holding top posts, "as they could be an obstacle to development if they do not know how to use computers."

He added the biggest challenge facing implementation of e-government project is the presence of some officials in certain govt depts who cannot use computers, but this matter is not applicable to the new generation. The government, he said, is taking the project seriously, as a number of bodies are taking part in the technical team for the implementation of the e-government project.

Quelle: Arab Times, 11.10.2003