PICTA Center Opens in Alma el Chaab , October 19th, 2007

The Professional Computer Association of Lebanon (PCA) & the Union of Arab ICT Associaions celebrated the opening ceremony of the PCA ICT Academy (PICTA), in the Alma el Chaab Municipality, at 11:00 AM, October 19, 2007.

The launching of the ninth PICTA Center in Alma el Chaab is a result of the ongoing support and collaboration of the PICTA initiative partners, which include: United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Mercy Corps, International Executive Service Corps (IESC) funded by USAID, Intel, CISCO, Microsoft, Computer Associates (CA), Universal Knowledge Solutions (UKS), Booz Allen Hamilton, UNESCO, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), Ministry of Economy and Trade, Ministry of Telecom, Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Development (OMSAR), American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM),  Oracle, and Women in IT (WIT).

The launch of this ninth Center of the PICTA Academy project was part of a plan to open ten PICTA centers in order to provide free technology training courses to all segments of the community, and to provide affordable fast access to the Internet. The PICTA centers are located in areas most affected by the recent war on Lebanon. The first seven centers had been opened in each of Nabatieh, Baalbek, Bint Jbeil, Ein, Sebhel, Marjeyoun and Batroun. The aim of the PICTA Academy is to strengthen the local capacity in the field of information technology and communications, and assist all levels of society to learn and improve their ICT skills, take advantage of new employment opportunities, and increase their opportunities of achieving better living conditions. Additionally, the local community-based NGO’s will participate in the management of this PICTA Academy in Alma el Chaab while ensuring the continuation of the work methodology and quality of service.