BCS to offer qualifications in Africa

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 16 Jun 2008 at 11:52

The British Computer Society is catering to a massive rise in demand for technical skills in developing countries by offering professional qualifications to students in Africa.

The organisation claims that the move has been prompted both by a growing demand for IT workers in the developing world and the emergence of affordable hardware such as the One Laptop Per Child Foundation's XO.

"The hunger for IT skills in Africa is growing significantly, especially in Ghana where broadband technology is established. As in many overseas countries, BCS qualifications are very highly regarded and we are pleased to further support digital literacy and IT skills on this continent," says Sharon Hurd, business manager for BCS professional examinations.

The qualifications will be open to students in Eritrea, Ghana and Accra, and the first graduates are expected to emerge as soon as October. The program is already offered in other countries, such as Sri Lanka and Mauritius, aided in part by the British Council.

Three different awards are available, with the certificate equivalent to one year at a UK University, the Diploma equivalent to two years and the Graduate Diploma equal to a non-honours degree. All qualifications will be recognised in the UK by the QCA, the standards body for examinations.

Last month the OLPC Foundation announced that it was working on the second generation XO laptop, which it expects to start shipping to developing countries as soon as 2010 for just $75.