Introduction
The International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) is global programme aiming at raising the general level of competence in IT in all sectors of the society and, therefore, Promoting life-long e-learning. The programme's main objective is to establish a benchmark for basic computer skills giving the opportunity for the Arab population to effectively join the new information age and consequently leading to fulfilling the ultimate objective of computer literacy.
The ICDL concept is owned by the ICDL/ECDL Foundation, which is a non-profit organization based in Dublin, Ireland. The Foundation was formed to coordinate the introduction and cooperation of the ICDL/ECDL Concept throughout the world through a network of licencees. UNESCO Cairo Office, is the ICDL licencees in Egypt, Jordan, and a number of neighboring countries.
UNESCO Cairo Office, UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology for Arab States, adopted the ICDL Programme in January 2001 as an ideal alternative towards Computer literacy for All.
The ICDL has become a widely recognized qualification in both personal and work-related computer use. The Programme is currently featured in over 120 countries worldwide and offered in more than 25 languages. In 2004, the number of registrants in the qualification exceeded the 4.6 million mark, representing the delivery of over 15 million tests, and the number of certified accredited test centers has exceeded 17,000. In the Arab States, UNESCO Cairo Office rolled the programme in 12 Arab States with more than 200,000 registrants, over 500 accredited centers, and more than 50,000 holders of the certification.