HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti announced Monday the launch of the executive and sustainable phase of The Better Connections Program that works, in cooperation with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs, on setting up fully-functioning ICT facilities equipped with refurbished hardware. 
The program will see the establishment of 1500 computer halls over the coming two years. HE the Minister was giving a speech during the opening ceremony of 'Labour Care' annual conference. His Excellency said that the program will include providing free access to computers for workers, in addition to access to internet services and training. This will be done by providing IT halls in the workers' housing locations. 
HE the Minister said that the program, ever since its launch in 2014, has been working on providing access to the biggest number of workers by partnering with a number of governmental and private institutions, in addition to partnering with civil society and private companies. 
His Excellency noted that work is done on 200 IT halls so far, that are equipped with the latest technology to provide digital access to more than 100 thousand workers. His Excellency noted that the current phase will see the number expand from 200 to 1500 halls in the next two years. 
HE the Minister stressed that such efforts reflects the commitment of the State of Qatar to workers' rights as a core component of public policy. His Excellency noted that workers in the State of Qatar were one of the pillars of the country's development. His Excellency also noted that the State of Qatar has taken a number of steps in recent years to guarantee and protect the rights of workers, due to its belief that the dignity of workers is crucial to the implementation of Qatar National vision. 
HE the Minister of Transport and Communications noted that the recent efforts of the State of Qatar, in accordance to the directives of the country's wise leadership, were an application of the principles of Islam and the traditions of the Qatari society. It was also an implementation of international laws and agreements, His Excellency added. 
His Excellency then moved on to discuss the role of the Ministry of Transport and Communications in supporting the vision of the State of Qatar in building a smart, digital economy that provides an honorable living to all who work in Qatar. His Excellency said that the ministry implemented a strategy to ensure a better digital connection that provides technological access to all citizens. 
In concluding his remarks, HE the Minister expressed his appreciation to the constructive role workers continue to play in society, stressing that the State of Qatar works on catering to their needs just like the country's citizens.

Source: QNA