Chair of GITC Organizing Committee Kim In Kyu
The GITC began in 1992 in Korea with the goal of reducing the digital divide for persons with disabilities. Since 2011, the GITC has been expanded to youth with disabilities around the world with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region to promote their participation in society by entering higher education and finding employment opportunities.
As the co-host of the GITC, the governments of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China and India have contributed significantly to the process of developing this international event.
Also, every year more than 20 governments and CSO members have supported efforts to bring youth with disabilities in their counties to the GITC through IT training and staging preliminary national competitions.
Thanks to the cooperation with these governments, CSOs and sponsor companies, the GITC has developed into a more successful international event. Now the GITC is on its way to being an internationally renowned IT competition beyond Asia-Pacific with participation by countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
This amazing growth and success is possible because of the attention paid to youth with disabilities who continue to pursue their dreams to engage the world and overcome communication challenges to realize their future through IT. However, in spite of their motivation and effort, a single international event for youth with different types of disabilities to participate via IT is not enough.
Against this background, the 'Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities' will continue to expand and evolve by growing the GITC into a truly global IT festival for youth with disabilities to establish a world where no one is left behind and which reflects the character of the 4th industrial revolution, different disabilities and cultures, and diverse national needs.
Once again, we appreciate your visit to the GITC website and also ask for your continuous support to shape a brighter future for youth with disabilities in the world.
Thank you
Kim In Kyu
Chair of GITC Organizing Committee
(President of Rehabilitation International Korea)
