The Community Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) at Kalkara Local Council was officially opened on Friday by the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Dr Austin Gatt. The new centre, which is sponsored by HP and Microsoft, will provide free ICT learning and tools for the community.

The Ministry in collaboration with HP and Microsoft Malta Ltd are working together to overcome the digital divide in Malta. The CTLC will serve the community to improve their ICT knowledge with specialised courses and obtain valuable technology skills.

HP, through two of their authorised partners in Malta, namely Systec Limited and Fortune Technologies Limited, has contributed towards the provision of HP computers and printers. For the inauguration, Eleni Papaspiridakos, Marketing Manager for CDG at HP says: “We are approaching the 10th and final successful centre opening in Malta. We are confident and hopeful that the services offered in these centres are a true benefit for the current and future success of entrepreneurs in Malta.”

HP has also introduced its MAP (Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme), a special training course for entrepreneurs of small businesses. HP aims to help the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Malta so that they can use IT to increase the size of their businesses. The HP MAP is being executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications at selected CTLCs.

Microsoft Malta Ltd has undertaken to develop a widespread information society in Malta and is helping to lay the ground for future economic growth. This was highlighted by Microsoft Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe, Vahe Torossian, during his visit to Malta. Through its collaboration with the Malta Government and other partners, Microsoft is supporting lifelong learning opportunities at CTLCs and assisting in the IT literacy programme.

The inauguration was also attended by the Kalkara Mayor Michael Cohen, Microsoft Malta Ltd’s Citizenship Lead Fiorella Ellul Sullivan, and Systec Ltd Managing Director Raphael Micallef Trigona.

The other eight centres which are run by NGOs are located at Access Centre in Vittoriosa, the National Council of Women’s offices in Blata l-Bajda, the Eden Foundation Complex at Bulebel, UHM in Floriana, The Richmond Foundation, The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF) in Kordin, B’Kara Local Council and the recently opened at ETC in Valletta.

The 10th centre is planned to open in Gozo.