Neotel and NIIT sign a MoU

The agreement between the organisations will have the 70-plus Siyafunda Community Centres converted into ICT Learners Centres. These will offer ICT learning solutions to individuals, enterprises and institutions. The e-learning content for the solution will be provided by N2 Education Hub, which is the partnership between Neotel and NIIT. N2 Education Hub will also provide support to fulfil any training needs.

The training programmes will include an e-literacy and a rapid employment programme. These programmes aim to enhance employment opportunities for youths and high school graduates.

The skills shortage

Commenting on the MoU, the MD and CEO of Neotel, Sunil Joshi, said: "Our strategy is to be a significant player in addressing the skills shortage in the sector we operate in. Partnering organisations that have the same vision and significant presence in education is of enormous value to us. We are delighted that, through Siyafunda, we will be able to expand even more in the important area of ICT training."

Ahmed Ismael-Smiley, the founder director of Siyafundactc, welcomed the MoU with Neotel and NIIT and emphasised the significance of the partnership and the value of skills development as a key driving force for innovation and revitalisation of communities. "Access to education and these skills programmes at the community's doorstep builds intellectual capital and is vital in creating flourishing economies and communities. A partnership of this nature will, thus, open a world of opportunity for youths who would have otherwise not have had the chance. Siyafunda's 70-plus community centre partners can now have access to these quality skills development programmes."