Bruce urges local primary schools to help get the community online (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Bruce urges local primary schools to help get the community online

February 17, 2010 12:55 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is encouraging staff and pupils at primary schools throughout his constituency to enter a competition which is helping to promote the use of information technology in their local communities.

Earlier this week MPs and e-skills UK launched the fourth annual 'Make IT Happy' competition, a UK-wide technology challenge for primary school students aged 9 to 11. The competition gives students a chance to work together to come up with creative technology projects which will have a positive impact on their local community. 10 million people in the UK have never used the internet, meaning that around 16% of the population are missing out on all of the social and economic benefits it brings.Malcolm Bruce MP: Gordon

The competition is run by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. Last year's contest was backed by more than 80 MPs from across the UK and the closing date for entries this year is 31 July, 2010.

£1,200 will be awarded to each of the regional competition finalists with the overall winning school taking home an additional cash prize of £4,000. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in London in October.

Mr Bruce commented:

'Most of the children in my constituency have grown up with technology, and they are in a great position to help those less familiar with IT and the internet who are missing out on the many benefits.'

'This competition offers primary school students an excellent opportunity to use their imagination, creativity and technology skills to demonstrate the practical and positive applications of IT in their own communities.'

Notes:

For further information and details of how to enter, visit the website at http://makeithappy.cc4g.net/

About PITCOM

The Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) provides a forum for MPs, Peers, senior civil servants, academics and ICT professionals to exchange information and opinions. It has evening meetings in a Committee Room of the House of Commons on the policy implications of new technologies, and holds receptions and an annual dinner in the House of Lords. The Committee also provides in-depth briefing papers for Members of Parliament.

About e-skills UK

e-skills UK is the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, rated 'outstanding' in the relicensing of Sector Skills Councils in 2009. We work on behalf of employers to ensure the UK has the technology skills it needs to succeed in a global digital economy. Our work covers software, internet & web, IT services, telecommunications and business change.