At least 24 Local Government Authorities, drawn from the six regions in the country, yesterday began a three-month computer literacy training course at the QuantumNet  Institute of Technology, located along the Kairaba Avenue.

Organised by QuantumNet in collaboration with the Department of state Local Government and Lands and other stakeholders, the training session was designed to improve the managerial knowledge of local government authorities in various areas of interest. During the training, the participants will be exposed to different modules in Information Technology, among others.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lassana Tunkara, QuantumNet Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, said  this training is crucial as it will  further improve their  professional efficiency  and manner in delivering their duties."We at QuantumNet firmly believe that such a training programme will be beneficial to local government authorities, as it is in line with The Gambian leader's targets  to  attain the Silicon Valley objectives," he said.

Muhammed Jah, Managing Director  of QuantumNet, said during the  training course participants will be used to different modules in computer literacy, adding that they will also have a unique chance to explore and improve their managerial knowledge.

He commended the Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs,  and Gamworks for their foreseight in indentifying such a course for the participants.

For his part, Omar Gaye, Technical Director of Gamworks Agency, expounded on his agency's longstanding relationship with QuantunNet, which he described as a fruitful cooperation. "The central government paid for the courses. Basically, it was designed to improve and build capacity for effective service delivery.  It is expected that by the end of the day participants will gain something useful," he said.

Mr Gaye outlined the fact that the course is important as it will bring more input to the participants. "QuantumNet has done it  in the past and he hoped that this would not be the last time in building capacity for ordinary Gambians," he said.

In declaring the training opened, Abdoulie Manneh, Permanent Secretary at the Dapartment of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, said his department has a history of cordial working relationship with Gamworks and QuantumNet. He added that the course came at a time when local government authorities need capacity building."I want to challenge the participants  to undertake the training seriously. They should also recognise the department's  continuous  collaboration with the various stakeholders.There is no doubt that the course will help you a lot in your day-to-day running of  your offices' transactions. IT is very important in all facet of works," he said.

He thanked the management of QuantuNet for their benevolent gesture, adding that the company has been, over the years, very helpful to his department.

The ceremony was attended by  officials of QuatumNet, Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religeous Affairs, among other dignitaries.