Released on September 21, 2001
Provincial government funding means two regional libraries in southernSaskatchewan will deliver computer and Internet training in rural
communities. The training is part of a new initiative of Saskatchewan
public libraries.
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel on behalf
of Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Eldon Lautermilch today
announced funding of $142,000 to the Palliser Regional Library in Moose Jaw
and the Southeast Regional Library in Weyburn for a program to train people
who have problems accessing information technology.
The program builds on a provincial project launched two weeks ago at the
Saskatoon Public Library. The Moose Jaw and Weyburn-based program will
also enhance the computer and information literacy of Aboriginal and low-
income people, providing Internet, E-mail and word processing training.
"Saskatchewan people told us in our Partnership for Prosperity
consultations how important it is for everyone to access new technology and
to learn and communicate through it," Hagel said. "This new initiative of
the libraries will develop crucial training for people in their own
communities - training that will help them participate in both the global
economy and an information-driven society."
The project will deliver Internet and computer training to 15 different
rural towns and villages in its initial phase. The libraries will use a
mobile training laboratory to bring courses to various community centres
and to First Nations people in their regions.
"Our two library systems are pleased to be working together to take this
next step in communications instruction," Palliser Regional Library Acting
Director Jan Smith said. "We have studied the rural areas and polled the
disadvantaged groups in southeastern Saskatchewan and are eager to be
bringing the training out to the people who are so excited to be learning."
Funding for the library project comes from Economic and Co-operative
Development. The department through its Information Technology Office has
a mandate to use information technology to enhance public access and to
deliver government services electronically to citizens wherever they may
live.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1691