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Symantec security chap signs for CSIRO's ICT In Schools

Vulture South is closing in on our goal of 20 new recruits to help teachers and kids

The Register's campaign to recruit 20 volunteers for CSIRO's ICT In Schools program is four-fifths of the way to its goal.

In case you came in late, we're supporting the program because there are never enough skilled people to work in our industry, teachers aren't always in the best position to enthuse kids about technology. We think the CSIRO has a decent answer to both of those problems with ICT in Schools program', which finds IT pros willing to help in a school and show kids what a career in tech can involve.

This week, the good news is that 16 of you have signed up to share your time, energy and expertise with the nation's kids and teachers.

A round of applause for those selfless 16, please readers!

Why should you join them? One of the volunteers, NICTA's Karsten Schulz, says his time in the classroom is the best part of his working week.

One of our new volunteers, Symantec principal consultant David Shaw, told us he feels that volunteering will help him to kick some professional goals.

“Having been involved with security for many years I am firmly of the view that as security professionals we are still fairly poor at how we influence cultural change,” he told Vulture South.

“Perhaps the sooner we can get to the minds of those who are coming into the workforce, maybe that is a better strategy,” he added.

Shaw thinks perhaps his long industry experience – he started work in IT back in 1974 – will mean he can offer teachers and kids some useful perspectives.

“Unfortunately what we are seeing these days is many folks have been tempted into social networking without understand the consequences,” he says. “Maybe I can help them to understand the basics, the importance of the idea that one's trust is earned.”

Shaw is fortunate that his employer is “usually flexible in supporting this kind of thing”. Vulture South knows not everyone can find or make the time to work with schools, which is why the second part of our challenge is finding 20 of you to promote ICT in Schools even if you don't participate.

Our guide to doing so is here. ®

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