More than 30 parliamentarians from the Bougainville House of Representatives (BHOR) received certificates last week after completing a week-long computer training in Buka Town.
The training was the first of a series of planned Information, Communications Technology (ICT) training to upscale the use of ICT among Parliamentarians in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
According to UNDP Peacebuilding Fund Programme Coordinator based in the autonomous region, Lawrence Bassie, the training was part of UNDP’s overall efforts to strengthen the work of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in general and more specifically to support the House of Representatives to be more effective and accountable to their electorates.
Bassie added during the well-attended certification ceremony that “ICT has revolutionised the world we live in today. Representing your constituencies in the 21st Century requires an effective use of modern tools like ICT. This is a fundamental tool in helping you interact and serve your constituencies.”
“With ICT you can hold consultations with your constituents, virtually, report back to them in time, seek their opinion through online channels on major issues and ensure among others, their effective participation in governance. You may not have to always travel to meet your constituents to interact with them. You can do it effectively just from the comfort of your office, with a computer, in a very timely and effective manner.”
The Speaker of the Bougainville Parliament, Simon Pentanu said the ICT training, though a short one, was “The beginning of the transformation of the Bougainville Parliament. Before now, some parliamentarians were handicapped by the lack of basic ICT skills.”
Echoing similar sentiments of the fundamental role of ICT, the Speaker added “ICT skills are important for effective representation.”
The training was conducted by University of PNG (UPNG), Buka Open Campus. Albert Nukuitu, who is the UPNG Open Campus Director said the training was done after a needs analysis so that what was delivered was appropriate and practical. Future advanced trainings he said, will build on the current one.
“ICT has the potential to enhance sustainable development, it creates stronger links between citizen and the Government, promotes social inclusion and transparency. The UN is pleased to support the Bougainville Parliament in enhancing its ICT skills. We believe this will enable parliamentarians to better serve the people of Bougainville”, said UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Roy Trivedy.
UNDP’s support is made possible through the UN Peace Building Fund and is aimed at helping the Government of Papua New Guinea and Autonomous Bougainville Government consolidate peace, enhance community cohesion, promote good governance and build capacity of various government departments.
Picture: "I am now more confident with the computer", Charles Kakapetai, Member for Teua.