Rota begins 4th phase of ‘Better Connections’

Reach Out to Asia (Rota) has launched the fourth phase of the “Better Connections Programme”, an information and communications technology (ICT) framework aimed at educating low-income workers in Qatar.
The programme, initiated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, is sponsored by Msheireb Properties in partnership with Microsoft Qatar and Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF).
Rota is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community  Development (QF).
The Better Connections Programme has started training the fourth batch of volunteers at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Designed to improve the living conditions of migrant workers in Qatar by providing access to ICT facilities, the programme will equip workers with essential information and communication technology skills, according to a statement.
This endeavour aligns with QF’s aspiration to build a knowledge-based economy by driving the development of human capital.
Last year, 65 volunteers from the local community received significant training by Rota, visiting accommodation in various locations across Doha. Currently, there are more than 335 “Digital Champions” in basic computer and Internet communication skills who will continue this knowledge-sharing premise by passing on their newly acquired skills to other workers in need.
Through this innovative cascade model of training, the programme is expected to reach more than 4,000 low-skilled workers in various companies in Qatar, the statement notes.
Arwa Musaaed, Better Connections Programme manager at Rota, said: “Empowering humans regardless of their position is at the core of Rota’s values, and this is why we decided to join the programme last April. Rota is committed to providing support for migrant workers in Qatar, helping develop their digital knowledge in co-operation with our partners and volunteers.”
Over the past two years, the Better Connections Programme has grown into one of the largest public-private partnerships in Qatar, and ultimately aims to strengthen Qatar’s digital
culture.