Stakeholders laud US$50,000 ICT classroom unveiled at Old Harbour Primary

Representatives from the political, business, education and civic quarters were all present, as the US$50,000 state-of-the-art facility was officially open at a handing over ceremony.

In the last three months, what was once a library room has totally transformed from its original state and reflects a modernity of international standards. The facility can accommodate a maximum of 24 students simultaneously.

• Old Harbour Primary to benefit from US$50,000 ICT lab investment
• ‘It will captivate them more’ | Modern digital classroom to improve learning experience at Old Harbour Primary

“On behalf of the entire community of Old Harbour, I thank you Digicel for your commitment and dedication to nation building. This is indeed important not only for Old Harbour Primary but for the community that the school is built,” said Custos of St Catherine Icylin Golding, a past student of many years gone by.

Some 1,400 enrolled students will now benefit from this modern way of learning in preparation for the world of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It’s a point noted by Treacha Reid, president of the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce.

Reid said: “When I first heard of this project it really warms my heart because this and future generations will reap the benefits of an investment that will make our talented people and country competitive on a global scale.

“As members of the business community we face the challenges on a daily basis when prospective employees lack the requisite knowledge to execute certain job functions that require the use of technology.

“The Old Harbour business community will certainly reap the benefits of this initiative, albeit not immediate, but definitely in the near future.”

“It will go a far way in creating a brighter future for the brilliant minds before us,” added Steve Graham, councillor (JLP), Old Harbour Central Division. “Each computer will help a future programmer, a future doctor, a future business person and may even be a future councillor.”

Since last year the Digicel Foundation has embarked on mission to establish state-of-the-art digital classrooms in 10 primary schools within the next two years. Old Harbour Primary is the third beneficiary under the programme after Harry Watch Primary in Manchester and Anchovy Primary in St James.

“It is very, very good to know that the people in need, such as the good children from my community will benefit from Digicel’s kindness,” expressed Dr Kurt Waul, People’s National Party (PNP) St Catherine South Western Chairman, before adding: “As a leading player in the ICT industry it is only fitting that Digicel invest in the future of their business by ensuring that the next generation will get expose to ICT very early  and will eventually become highly skilled and take the company to even greater heights.

“I hope to see this replicate across all schools and that the students will take full advantage of the opportunity and take care of the facility to benefit the future generations.”

Dorrette Mayne-Webster is president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and a former student as well.

She said: “With this new ICT lab our school is better able to cater to the needs of our students. Teachers will be better able to equip to deliver their lessons in a meaningful way, while our students will be able to acquire digital skills that are critical in preparing them for the work place. We are excited that we are a part of history today.”

It’s a view that Custos Golding also emphasized.

“I am sure that this computer lab will play an important part, in that it will familiarise students with computers, it will give access to information about almost everything in this world,” Golding said. “It will encourage learners to read and write, which is important. And I say to you the students that the use of ICT in education should not only focus on providing computer literacy, drills and practice skills, but also to explore the richness of resource-based learning and creativity that it can offer.”

Since it entered the Jamaican market over two decades ago, Digicel has invested more than US$17 million in education, noted Jean Lowrie-Chin, chairperson of the Digicel Foundation.

“I must commend the Digicel Foundation for its vision behind this remarkable programme for schools across the country. Jamaica will be poorer without you and the billions of dollars invested in her and her people,” said Reid upon a return to her alma mater.