The Hindu Business Line : NIIT targets over 1 lakh under World Computer Literacy Mission

A batch of special children from leading NGOs getting their first exposure to computers to mark the World Computer Literacy Mission 2004 by NIIT in the Capital on Wednesday. Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Dec. 1

KEEPING in line with its efforts to usher computer learning across every section of the society, NIIT on Wednesday kicked-off World Computer Literacy Mission 2004 activities with a batch of special children from NGOs — Akshay Pratishthan, Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust and National Institute for Hearing & Handicapped — getting their first exposure to computers.

The children started their training on Swift Jyoti, a simple programme designed to teach the basics of computers in a simple and interactive manner, in the presence of Dr Uma Tuli, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and Mr R.S. Pawar, Chairman of NIIT.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tuli said, "Enabling the disabled begins with mainstreaming them through education and vocational training."

The mission has been launched across the world through NIIT's network of over 3,500 education centres. Over 1,00,000 people are expected to have their first brush with computers and Internet training as part of this year's campaign.

Commenting on the mission, Mr Pawar said, "By bringing another 1,00,000 citizens into the IT fold this year, the World Computer Literacy Mission will cross the half-a-million mark making it the most powerful computer literacy movement.''

As part of this initiative, the company would be conducting special free training batches for 10,000 deserving students across its various centres across the country. NIIT would also donate computers to select institutions to enable them to join in its initiative of bridging the digital divide.