16 May 2022

Botswana is set to commemorate the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) in Mmathubudukwane in the Kgatleng District tomorrow (Tuesday).

This year’s WTISD commemoration would be held under the theme, ‘Digital Technologies for the Older Persons and Healthy Ageing’.

The theme, according to a press release from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, challenges International Telecommunications Union (ITU) member states to reaffirm their commitment to accelerating digital technologies to bring older persons online, improve access and empower them to make use of digital technologies effectively for their health and well-being.

Member states are also encouraged to ensure universal access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), bridge the digital divide and empower citizens with digital skills to benefit significantly from new and emerging technologies.

They also commemorate the day to showcase and help raise awareness of what ICTs offer, immense opportunities and their life-changing power if harnessed properly and effectively.

The theme, the release says, also focuses on combating discrimination, reducing inequalities and promoting healthy lifestyles with smart technologies.

It further challenges older persons to be able to use digital technologies to keep in touch with family and friends get access to medical care and financial services as well as to be up to date with the latest information.

The commemoration would therefore be used to share with the elderly, useful information they would need on proper use of ICTs.

Meanwhile, as build-up to the WTISD, events including the Girls in ICT Day was held on May 13 to create awareness and encourage girls and young women to pursue careers and studies in ICTs as well as equip them with skills to explore the digital world while fulfilling the goal of inclusiveness as espoused in the Connect 2030 Agenda.

The commemoration for girls in ICT was held under the theme ‘Access and Safety’, with a view to address obstacles of digital access and safe use of online platforms by girls and young women often reckoned to be vulnerable to online frauds, bullying and shaming.

As part of this year’s Girls in ICT Day commemoration, secondary school girls in the Kgatleng region were trained on coding, cyber-security as well as entrepreneurial skills using ICTs. ENDS