Six children and ageing individuals have today been presented with a prize after participating in the Digital Angels scheme - an initiative organised by the MCA.
Targeting year 6 students aged 10 to 11 years, the scheme encouraged children to pair up with a grandparent or a member or friend of the family aged 55 years or over and engage in a computer based activity including watching old videos online, seeking a specific information, or chatting with a family member abroad. This initiative is one of a series of measures being implemented with the aim of reducing the digital divide and making ICT accessible to all citizens.
Statistics show that 98% of children have an internet connection at home. In contrast, only about a third of those aged 55 years or over are making use of computers and the Internet.
One of the main objectives of this scheme was to encourage Internet savvy children to help older generations understand the potential of using ICT as part of their daily life. On the other hand, the project aimed to stimulate older individuals to actively help children become better online citizens and respect each other in the virtual world, just as they would in the real world.
The Hon. Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth stated that “Malta needs a cohesive society that is able to utilise ICT to brings out the full potential of every citizen.’ ‘In today’s digital environment we do not only require competent individuals. It is equally important to have online citizens that respect and trust each other. If these values are not reflected on-line we will be unable to co-exist and actively participate in the virtual world,” he continued. “I strongly believe that the messages we are conveying through such initiatives play an important role in building Malta’s future digital economy and society. In the coming months, the Government will be rolling out similar initiatives to increase digital awareness and reduce the digital divide, and this is line with the concepts this new Government intends to promote of Open Government and e-Democracy”, concluded Hon. Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis.
The prizes were presented as follows:
| Winners | Activity undertaken | Gifts and sponsor |
| Kieran Mallia (Stella Maris, Balzan) and Rita Briffa | The child explained how to use the Internet | Apple iPad provided by GO plc. |
| Jasmine Micallef (St. Margaret College, Primary School Zabbar) and Frances Micallef | Research on Maltese History | Samsung Galaxy Tablet provided by Melita plc. |
| Andria Bonello (St. Monica School, Gzira) and Sr. Lidwina Cauchi | Online shopping | Xbox Kinect provided by Microsoft (Malta) |
| Mike MIcallef (Stella Maris, Balzan) and Richard Mifsud Bonnici | Use of Microsoft Word | Desktop PC provided by Smart Technologies Ltd. |
| Valentina Rapa (College Promary School, Victoria, Gozo) and TOni Xiberras | The child explained how to use the computer | Vodafone Tablet provided by Vodafone (Malta) Ltd. |
| Nicole Galea (st. Nicholas College, Primary School, Mgarr) and Maria Borg | Use of Social Networking | Vodafone Tablet provided by Vodafone (Malta) Ltd. |
All ageing individuals who participated were presented with vouchers to participate in the ICTforALL training, free of charge, at one of the 19 Community Training Learning Centres coordinated by the MCA.
Ian Agius, acting Director General for the MCA, thanked all entities that supported the initiative in particular the Education Directorates and all the primary schools in Malta and Gozo. He also thanked industry players that have shown a keen interest in the scheme and generously provided all the prizes. He added that “as stakeholders we need to continue to collaborate to ensure that Maltese children and adults do not simply have the luxury of an Internet connection but are avid, smart and responsible users that can take full advantage of what is happening online”.
An exhibition with all submissions will be setup at the Mater Dei Hospital foyer over the coming days.
The initiative is being undertaken as part of BeSmartOnline!, an EU funded project that aims at making the Internet a safer environment for children, and the LiveICT initiative that is aimed at getting older people closer to the Internet and its everyday use.
Visit www.besmartonline.org.mt for information about the BeSmartOnline!