Carmichael encourages local schools to make IT happy (Gordon Liberal Democrats)

Gordon Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Carmichael encourages local schools to make IT happy

December 9, 2010 9:57 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Isles MP Alistair Carmichael is encouraging staff and pupils at primary schools across Orkney and Shetland 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 fifth 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.

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. This year's theme is 'Pass IT On!'. Judges are looking for IT projects that have linked primary schools with other members of their community.

£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.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:

'Many young people in the Northern Isles have grown up with technology, so they're well placed to pass on their knowledge to help some of those who are not as confident in their online skills.

'The competition is all about giving young people a chance to use their imagination, creativity and technology skills and show how IT can make a difference to the world around them.

'Make IT Happy is an ideal opportunity for our primary schools to showcase the important work they are doing in aid of a good cause.'

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.