The Investment, Industry and IT Ministry has opened the seventh HP-sponsored Community Training Learning Centre (CTLC) and Wi-Fi Garden in the premises of the Birkirkara local council. Minister Austin Gatt officially inaugurated the new centre today. HP was represented by its local distributors, Fortune Technologies Limited and Systec Limited.

The Community Training Learning Centre will serve residents of Birkirkara and the neighbouring villages to have access to technology, ICT training and Wi-Fi. Knowledge of ICT offers new opportunities and leads to a higher standard of living, as well as improved communication channels between Government and the community.

“Over the past three years HP, through the initiative of the Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT, has provided support to a number of NGOs in Malta to minimise the digital divide,” said Ing. Raphael Micallef Trigona, managing director, Systec Limited, authorised distribution and service delivery partner of HP in Malta.

“By contributing equipment to this centre, HP is offering Birkirkara residents better opportunities by providing further education to those who want to learn more about technology,” said Etienne Borg Cardona, managing director of Fortune Technologies Limited, the authorised distribution and service delivery partner of HP in Malta.

The CTLC will be introducing the HP-sponsored MAP (Micro Enterprise Acceleration Program), a special training course for entrepreneurs of small businesses. In Malta the HP MAP Program is being executed in collaboration with the Ministry for Investment, Industry and IT. The MAP solution includes a fully operational, ready-to-go MAP training centre, HP equipment, 19-module curriculum, professional training of trainers (TOT) and support.

In July, the ministry opened another CTLC at the premises of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF) in Kordin. The other centres that have been supported by HP are at Access Centre in Vittoriosa, the National Council of Women’s offices in Blata l-Bajda, the Eden Foundation Complex at Bulebel, at the premises of Union Haddiema Maghqudin in Floriana and at the Richmond Foundation. Another three centres, including one in Gozo, are expected to open in the coming months.