Knockalva Polytechnic College Gets Learning And Resource Centre

The Knockalva Polytechnic College in Ramble, Hanover, now has a computer-equipped learning and resource centre, which was established by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Advance Program.

The facility, which has 30 workstations, provides a space for students to access learning online, while enabling them to source material and information to assist their career and work-readiness, including employability guides.

It is the second such investment by USAID at the college within a year, the first being a fully equipped agro-processing laboratory, which was officially handed over on March 31, 2021.

At the official opening of the Learning and Resource Centre recently, the Advance Program’s Country Manager for Jamaica, Ruth Chisholm, said that the facility is a workforce development initiative executed in partnership with the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCJ).

“The Learning and Resource Centre is an additional area to complement student learning, so in addition to the lab, we also wanted them to have a comfortable and safe place to work when they are on campus,” she said.

Several students welcomed the facility, particularly in ensuring the continuation of learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

At the onset of COVID-19, students reported that they struggled with Internet connectivity, which made the teaching-learning experience difficult.

Chairman of the Board of Governors of Knockalva Polytechnic College, Kadeen Miles-Campbell, hailed the establishment of the centre as a “dream come true” and an important asset to the development of the college.

He said it also paves the way for students to learn computer-related skills for the workplace.