2.5.1 Project Scope The education project has three focus areas, namely: 1. Improved educational management, administration and governance through the incorporation of effective strategies 2. Improved quality of basic education, and technical and vocational education and training, through the integration of ICT 3. Improved infrastructure at the SVG Community College to include ICT-enhanced facilities It also supports the development of knowledgebased systems, SVGeNET, electronic document management, and information-driven decision making processes in the MOE. It includes hardware, software, computer networks, projectors, academic software, furniture and equipment, teacher training, and a modern Lecture Theatre and ICT facilities. The project includes maintenance of the procured 2.5.2 infrastructure. When this project is completed, it is anticipated that the people of SVG will have the sustainable provision of learning opportunities for all. They should therefore be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for creating and maintaining a productive and innovative society. Training of the people who are currently employed in the area of ICT has also been recognised as a priority. The need to increase local competitiveness and the employable of the local labour force is being addressed by the National Information and Communication Technology Training Project (NICTTP). This project is in progress at a cost of about EC$2,655,174, and is aimed at providing a cadre of trained persons with various levels of computer skills. An adjunct to the massive expansion at schools and learning institutions is the use of the network of Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) Community Centres and Libraries. The Modern National Library will be a shining example of ICT in usage and virtual Libraries. Action Item: Launch SVGeNET to track student records, tests results reports, requisitions for supplies, repairs and other communications between teachers, principals and the MOE. Human Development Human Development Index 0.772 Combined gross enrolment ratio in education (%) 2007 Adult illiteracy rate (% aged 15 and above), 1999-2007 Female combined gross enrolment ratio (%), 2007 Public current expenditure on primary education per pupil (PPP$US$) Public expenditure on education as a percentage of total government expenditure, 2000 – 2007 68.9 11.9 70.3 1,227 The state of human development in SVG is captured in the statistics from the 2008 UNDP Human Development Report shown in Table 7. 16.1 Table 7: Human Development Statistics for SVG 2.5.3 National Technological (NCTI) Centre Innovation The NCTI was established as a State Company in 2006 and won the contract to implement training under the NICTTP. It conducts training at the advanced level at its main St. Vincent & the Grenadines National ICT Strategy and Action Plan P a g e | 42 facility in Kingstown and basic computer literacy at the network of Learning Resource Center labs in each constituency.