Published on:
20
September 2001
Alloa Library is to become the focal point for a new project - Gates into Alloa - which will allow greater access to Information technology for residents of Alloa South and East.
And thanks to a partnership bid led by LALIC, the project has just been awarded £24,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
This funding is part of a £300,000 funding package which Scotland received from the Gates Foundation for the creation of ICT Learning Centres in deprived areas. This was matched by the Scottish Executive from the Public Libraries Excellence Fund to create a total fund of £600,000. The funding complements the People's Network project that will see ICT learning centres in all public libraries in Scotland.
Gates into Alloa is aimed at residents of Alloa South and East and will provide three connected developments to enhance existing ICT provision. They are: The introduction of a laptop computer loan scheme based in Alloa Library The provision of additional ICT courses The opportunity to research and study local issues using the skills gained from the first two developments.
Councillor Alison Lindsay, Convener of the learning and Leisure Committee said: "This is exciting news. Indeed this project will play a part in delivering a number of key priorities of the Council and its partners.
"Gates into Alloa will create and encourage mobile computer learning. Now thanks to the innovative laptop loan system, people who don't own or have access to a computer, will soon be able to log onto learning at home and elsewhere."
Gates into Alloa will link to and enhance a variety of initiatives currently underway in the area including work on educational attainment at Park Community Campus and community based adult learning provided by LALIC.
The provision of laptops for loan and new technology training will allow adult learners to progress through a graduated approach to learning with the ability to practise skills at home.
Partners involved in the project are Clackmannanshire Council's Library Services and Essential Skills Unit, Living and Learning in Clackmannanshire (LALIC) and the Community Partnership Team.