IMPROVING DIGITAL LITERACY IN SRI LANKA Program to

IMPROVING DIGITAL LITERACY IN SRI LANKA Program to digitally empower the citizens in Sri Lanka

TABLE OF CONTENTS • Vision & Objectives • Digital Literacy Definition • Literacy Rates in Sri Lanka • Conducive Environment & Barriers • Role of Government

VISION “Digital empowerment of citizens” OBJECTIVES • Universal Digital Literacy • All digital resources universally accessible • All government documents/certificates to be available on the Cloud • Availability of digital resources/services in all official languages • Collaborative digital platforms for participative governance • Portability of all entitlements for individuals through the cloud

DIGITAL LITERACY DEFINITION The journey starts with learning the mechanics of using a mobile device, with a gradual transition towards use of more advanced features such as the internet. Source : GSMA’s Digital Inclusion Digital Literacy Journey SRI LANKA 2006/07 “Namely computer awareness, computer literacy, and the ability to use two software packages” E. g. - a 5 year old able to play a game on computer was considered computer literate 2014 A person (aged 5 - 69) is considered as a computer literate person if he/she could use computer on his /her own. E. g. - If a 5 years old child can play a computer game then he /she is considered computer literate Source : Department of Census & Statistics, 2014

LITERACY RATES IN SRI LANKA • Literacy rate at 95. 7% however, at a national level only 25% are computer literates. 99% of secondary school enrolment and only 19% tertiary enrolment Need to focus on laying a strong foundation by developing a relevant school syllabus Source : Department of Census & Statistics, 2014

SKILLED USER Consumer Barrier to internet access q Lack of awareness of the internet q Lack of relevance content & services (Localized content) q Lack of social/cultural acceptance q Lack of English literacy further prevents many native language speakers from using the mobile internet q Lack of Incentives, large segments of offline population lack a compelling reason to go online. Conducive Environment q q q q High mobile ownership Smart phone usage increasing High ICT related investments Mobile penetration is already higher (over 100%) Per capita income increasing thus, ability to own devices Smart phone usage increasing High investments technology resources Lower cost for voice / data as a percentage of income (less than 5%) Source : International Telecommunications Union Statistics

VISION FOR DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT OF CITIZENS “Unlocking the latent demand by increasing user awareness and digital literacy” Stage 1 Readiness Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Competency Development Work & Learning Connections Placement & Follow up § Create awareness and set around IT related careers gals § Train individuals to identified competencies for job roles § Bridge school and training to workplace opportunities § Provide IT related foundational education in schools § Certify individuals to demonstrate job readiness § Apprenticeship programs Source : Microsoft Digital Literacy Overview Sri Lanka Internet Users per 100 (LIRNEasia Method) 34. 8 Facebook Users, per 100 (2015) 16. 0 Source : Department of Census & Statistics, 2014 § Job placement § Ongoing professional development

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT Education : Expedite work in offering strong education at primary school level ICT : Promote use of ICT and internet as a medium of learning in schools, colleges and universities allowing students to master technology use. Rural Engagement : Devote sufficient resources to extend a supportive learning. Create mobile training centers and recruit trainers to improve digital literacy (Via public libraries, schools, community Centre etc. E- Government Services : Deliver services in education, health and financial disbursements and other life-enhancing services Partnership with Development Organizations : To produce content to teach digital literacy.

STEPS TOWARDS IMPROVING DEMAND-SIDE STIMULATION Awareness raising campaign at the community level : Implementation of public educational schemes along with private initiatives aimed at increasing digital literacy among youths, rural women and elderly population. Awareness raising campaign at the community level Youth • • • Promotion computer related subjects from primary school Making ICT as a compulsory Subject (already O/L and A/L has this, but implement for below grades too) Maintenance of School computer laboratories at optimum level Preparation of learning aids closer to children using internet Increasing the efficiency of the ICT related teachers Direction of school leavers to equip themselves vocational training based on ICT Rural Areas • • ICT training through carnivals and promotional campaigns Awareness programs for parents introducing the benefits learning IT and Rural Women • TV Programs instructing women/ people in area in the form of a tutorial enabling to educate Programs at community centres •

STEPS TOWARDS DEMAND-SIDE STIMULATION Competency Development : Awareness and IT related skills needs to be built up regarding the full utility of the digital world and how they can be used not only for social purposes but also to address business and developmental needs. Areas for development • Strong efforts towards providing ICT related training for marginalized groups such as rural women, low income earners, from war affected areas etc. • Provide social entrepreneurship opportunities for the local communities • Train Service Delivery Agents to run viable businesses delivering IT services • Telecom service providers to train rural workforce to cater to their own needs • Train people in smaller towns & villages for IT sector jobs

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