Saturday, March 15, 2008

NEWS: Many Tamil kids left behind in IT

The digital divide exists among Tamil students because their access to computers and the Internet is dependent upon which socio-economic group they belong to.

"Owning a computer or even active usage of the Internet is affected by socioeconomic factors such as poverty, family income and the parents' level of education," said businessman and philanthropist and P. Thiagarajan.

He said it was important to ensure that Tamil students were equipped with IT skills as over 60% of jobs offered in today's market required employees with IT skills.

IT opportunity: Thiagarajan (left) together with teachers and children at the computer lab in SJK (T) North Hummock in Aman Perdana, Klang.
"Unable to have access to the tools of today's workplaces causes those without such skills to be left behind. So, it is important for Tamil students to master IT," he said.

Earlier, Thiagarajan joined in the Pratanai Poojai prayers for education and blessing for the SJK (T) North Hummock new school at Aman Perdana in Klang.

The school's 119 pupils from Year Two to Year Six share nine computers that were donated to the school by the Rotary Club of Klang.

Thiagarajan said most Tamil students were more likely to use the Internet only at school.

"So teachers must ensure that each student enjoys the benefit to become IT literate," he added.

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