​The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) launches the three-year Knowing More About IT Programme (the Programme) in the 2021/22 school year. A total of $225 million is earmarked under the Programme to provide funding of up to $400,000 to each publicly-funded primary school in the three school years from 2021/22 to 2023/24. The funding can be used to organise information technology (IT) related activities and to procure IT equipment or professional services required for the activities. Schools can submit applications starting today (September 1).

     The IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools Programme launched by the OGCIO last year has received an overwhelming response. So far, over 220 secondary schools have already submitted applications to organise activities such as training courses on artificial intelligence and mobile app coding classes, and to participate in robotics competitions. In this regard, the Government has extended the subsidy to all publicly-funded primary schools and launched the Knowing More About IT Programme this year. The Programme aims to enhance primary school students' interest and basic knowledge in IT through extra-curricular activities, so as to raise their enthusiasm in studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and prepare them for integrating into the digital society in future.

     Schools can use the funding flexibly in organising school-based activities such as coding classes and robotics workshops, participating in IT-related competitions and visiting IT companies within the three-year subsidy period. The funding can also be used for procuring hardware, software and equipment needed for the IT-related extra-curricular activities.

     The Programme is open for applications throughout the year and details are available at the Programme website (www.it-lab.gov.hk/en/index.php). Interested schools can submit their applications online (www.it-lab.gov.hk/en/application_know-it.php). The OGCIO has set up a one-stop support centre to assist schools on matters related to the Programme. For enquiries, please contact the support centre at 2231 5977 or by email know-it@ogcio.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Issued at HKT 10:00

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