The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), donated four laptops to the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) New Reef, yesterday, during a ceremony held at the Grand Baie Social Welfare Centre in support of the latter’s initiatives to restore corals and educate the youth on environment recovery techniques.
The Minister of Public Service, Administrative and institutional Reforms, Dr Anjiv Ramdhany, the Chairperson of ICTA, Mr Dick Christophe Ng Sui Wa, the Chairperson of EcoMode Society, Dr Nadeem Nazurally, and the Chairperson of New Reef, Mr Trilocknathsing Guddaye, were present on the occasion.
In a statement, Dr Ramdhany expressed his appreciation to ICTA for the donations made to New Reef to promote access to Information Communication and Technological (ICT) services. He stressed the need to digitalise the existing systems so as to scale up research works and, make ICT more accessible to the population, particularly vulnerable children.
He expressed the hope that New Reef, dedicat
ed to protecting and restoring reef ecosystems, will be more effective to supporting awareness campaigns and showcase global advances in coral restoration techniques to students in the region.
The Minister further spoke of the impacts of climate change on the sea level and marine lives and dwelt on Governmental projects being undertaken to preserve coral reefs and the lagoons in the region of Grand Baie.
As for Mr Ng Sui Wa, he underlined the ICTA’s determination to promoting digital literacy and inclusion in the country. The ICTA, he pointed out, has donated several ICT equipment and tools to some 21 NGOs since 2021. The objective, he underscored, is to ensure that everyone, especially vulnerable children have access to high-quality, diverse and plural ICT services for a more connected and inclusive society. The Authority, he stated, remains committed to its mission of ensuring equitable access to ICT services, thereby improving the quality of life for all citizens.
For his part, Mr Guddaye emphasised on
the importance of preserving corals and recalled the institution’s commitment to educate the population, especially the youth on corals preservation. He expressed his thanks to the ICTA, adding that the technological tools will enable the institution to reach a wider population and educate on the need to restore the environment and improve life expectancy of corals.
Source: Government of Mauritius