Digital Citizen

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Digital technologies can improve the quality of life of all citizens. Every Maltese, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, education, economic means or race should grow as a digital citizen with rights, responsibilities and abilities to access and use ICT. Digital skills will empower citizens to seize opportunities presented by technology and digitisation. Digital services will be affordable, secure and accessible to all, regardless of skill and economic means. Local digital content will be part of the mix.

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1. Basic level of ICT competence An education and awareness programme will be launched to boost ICT competences, media literacy and confident, critical and safe use of the Internet. The programme will be implemented at community level. Vulnerable groups will be a major focus.
2. Empowering the young through a safer Internet Digital Citizenship will become part of the National Education Curriculum, to equip children and youths with the abilities to interact and use the Internet safely and intelligently. Parents and carers will be involved together with educators and youth workers. This action will stimulate the production of creative online content, empower the younger generation and help create a safer environment. With the support of competent authorities this measure will help combat cyber child abuse and exploitation.
3. Empowering vulnerable/minority groups and the elderly Initiate an ongoing programme designed to assist every citizen, in particular the ageing and the vulnerable to harness the potential of ICT. Appropriately equipped ICT access and training centers will be set up within local communities to support the programme.
4. Accessibility and Assistive Technology Internet accessibility standards will be promoted to enable everyone, irrespective of disability, to navigate and access content. Access and use of assistive technologies will be facilitated to help independent living of the elderly and vulnerable groups. This will also stimulate market demand for diverse, affordable technologies.
5. NGA Networks There will be promotion NGA networks by demonstrating their potential applications and by supporting their introduction in homes, offices and public buildings.
6. Free access to wireless Internet There will be free access to wireless Internet in public buildings, main squares and many public spaces around the islands.
7. Portable devices for children Portable devices will be provided for children, their teachers and LSAs as part of the government’s vision of transforming formal education through the use of digital technologies.
8. Citizen Engagement Contact with citizens and between citizens will be promoted, especially through the use of mobile apps and social networking websites. Guidelines on social media strategies for local government and NGOs will be developed, encouraging them to act as intermediaries in a more participative civil society.
9. Promote innovative ICT applications Innovative ICT applications that lead to a better lifestyle will be promoted in a joint partnership with the private sector. The initiative will focus on developments that enhance daily activities such as shopping, banking, commuting and entertainment.
10. Developing online content A programme will be established to support and stimulate the development of high quality online content that is appealing, educational and culturally distinctive. Government will support joint collaborations between public and private media providers to produce, stream or make available local digital content.
11. Maltese language tools Government will facilitate the development and distribution of language tools to support the use of Maltese as a medium for teaching and learning, and therefore widening take-up of ICT in the Maltese language.

Digital Citizen

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