A project to integrate information technology (IT) skills in the standard curriculum of the Literacy Movement Organization (LMO) is underway in five provinces, according to its director, Ali Baqerzadeh.
“The project to train adults in common IT skills alongside regular subjects is being piloted in Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, Kerman, Isfahan, and Kordestan provinces,” he said, IRNA reported.
Around 500 people are getting trained in IT skills in 100-hour workshops, as part of the total 600-hour LMO education curriculum.
“Literacy is no longer limited to reading and writing skills, and we must focus on areas of sanitation, economy, and IT in the modern world,” he noted. The project will be implemented nationwide at a later stage.
The LMO signed a memorandum of understanding last year (ended March 19) with the Iran ICDL (International Computer Driving License) Foundation, affiliated to the Deputy Office of Communication Technology at the Education Ministry, in implementing the trial round of the project.
Target-Specific Materials
Baqerzadeh believes that the scheme will not only educate and train illiterate people on a frequently applied modern day skill, but will also inspire them to carry on with their education and use the knowhow in their daily life, thus helping them acquire more skills.
After an evaluation of the existing methods in providing education and materials, the LMO decided to integrate various teaching methods. The LMO is also looking to compile target-specific materials for different sections of the society, including workers as well as members of guilds.
“We also plan to introduce social incentives and specific restrictions that would persuade people to acquire literacy voluntarily,” he stressed.
The absolute illiterate population in the country stands at 1.3 million and comprises the age group 10-49 years, down from 3.4 million as stated in the 2011 census, said Baqerzadeh.
A national databank on illiterate population was established in October last year to facilitate access to information in order to help address the challenges.
“It will help in identification and decision-making regarding the target group,” the official was quoted as saying.
