School pupils in Hong Kong are improving their computer skills and gaining IT qualifications thanks to e-learning expert Electric Paper, part of ThirdForce plc.

Following an extremely successful pilot project earlier this year, Electric Paper's International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), courseware is being made available to all secondary schools in Hong Kong for the 2004 term. Electric Paper is supporting the 'ICDL@School Programme', in conjunction with the IT Training Quality & Certification Institute (ITTQC), its partner in Hong Kong. The availability of the ICDL courseware online was particularly beneficial during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong earlier this year, when school children were forced to stay at home for several weeks. The children participating in the pilot programme were able to continue studying for their ICDL examination from home by accessing the courseware over the Internet.

Commenting on the success of the pilot programme in Hong Kong, Electric Paper managing director Jonny Parkes said: "Our partners are vital to our success and together Electric Paper and ITTQC are providing the highest level of local support to Hong Kong schools. This pilot is of strategic importance to Electric Paper and has given us valuable technical and market experience.

"We are currently the only provider of an ICDL test in China, with versions under development in both Traditional Chinese for Hong Kong and Simplified Chinese for Mainland China," continued Parkes. "As the approved supplier of ICDL tests, we are looking forward to working closely with ITTQC to take advantage of medium-term growth opportunities."