Tribune News Network
Doha
Mowasalat (Karwa) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) to confirm completion of its computer and Internet facilities at its Karwa City accommodation complex housing around 7,000 of its drivers and support staff.
The move comes as part of Mowasalat's commitment to the Better Connections Program, an initiative of the MoTC to improve digital access for migrant workers.
Launched in May 2014, the Better Connections Program gives employers a practical framework for providing access to information and communication technology (ICT) tools to migrant workers. It is a phased initiative designed to enable labourers with little or no ICT skills to participate fully in Qatar's digital society. It aims to ensure they have access to and can benefit from ICT and Internet at their place of residence.
This programme is being conducted at Karwa City, where Mowasalat employees are provided with a wide range of useful resources, including computers, Internet connectivity and training.
A group of eight 'digital champions' from among the employees has been selected to be tasked with training their counterparts. The programme had been delivered to 3,995 drivers by mid-November 2016.
Khalid Nasser al Hail, Managing Director, Mowasalat, said;"This initiative seems beneficial for both drivers and operations officers. Drivers being computer literate will help operations officers in implementing new technologies, and also in boosting our drivers' confidence."
As Mowasalat works around the clock, he said, running the programme has posed a major challenge in scheduling the trainees and trainers. However, he explained, the optimal schedule has been prepared and is being followed to ensure the initiative and its objectives are well understood and achieved.
"We will continue collaborating with the MoTC to ensure successful delivery of this programme to our employees. We will also continue updating the programme's content and delivery tools," he added.
When asked about their opinion on this initiative, some of the employees said these training sessions help in improving computer knowledge of drivers and workers and also teach them skills to browse the Internet safely and use social networking platforms. It also trains them on how to use available technology for money transfers as well as connect with their families and friends while working far from home.