The Knowing More About IT Programme opened for applications today to provide funding for publicly-funded primary schools to organise information technology (IT)-related activities and procure required IT equipment or professional services.

Under the programme, each primary school will be offered funding of up to $400,000 in the three school years from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer said the IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools Programme launched last year received an overwhelming response. More than 220 secondary schools submitted applications to organise activities.

It decided to extend the subsidy to all publicly-funded primary schools and launched the Knowing More About IT Programme, with a total of $225 million earmarked.

The new 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.

The funding can also be used for procuring hardware, software and equipment needed for the IT-related extra-curricular activities.

Applications can be made throughout the year and interested schools can submit their applications online.

Call 2231 5977 or email the office for enquiries.