Primary School in Manchester to Get 10 Computers from Foundation

Old England Primary and Junior High School in Manchester is to receive 10 computers from the Cable and Wireless Jamaica Foundation (CWJF), tomorrow (June 9), as part of its Computers for Schools Programme.
The Programme is being undertaken in collaboration with Teens 4 Technology. Under this initiative, 108 schools across the island will be provided with 10 computers each, along with high speed internet service wherever possible. To date, all parishes have benefited.
Ann Astwood, Manager of the CWJF, explained to JIS News that the programme is largely focused on Primary and Primary and Junior High Schools, as most Secondary and High Schools already have Information Technology programmes in place. In order to qualify for this assistance, schools must demonstrate that a clear need exists, and they are able to properly house and maintain the computers.
“Most if not all of the jobs that will be available when the current generation of students graduate, will require some form of computer skills,” Ms. Astwood said.
“The Foundation is seeking to ensure that children who do not have computers at home are not disadvantaged, by giving them access to computers, the internet and other information technology tools at school,” she added.
In an interview with JIS News, Acting Principal of Old England Primary and Junior High, Violet Carty pointed out that the computers would be used to enhance learning in the various subject areas. In addition, training of teachers, parents and other community persons would take place after proper arrangements have been made.
“Presently, we are in dialogue with HEART Trust/NTA, and a group from Northern Caribbean University (NCU) to have them provide training on a voluntary basis,” Mrs. Carty said.
The CWJF, in partnership with various organizations, has donated hundreds of new and refurbished computers to needy educational institutions, and currently supplies close to 400 schools with free internet service, in keeping with its mandate to bridge the digital divide in the education system, in a bid to optimize the results of the teaching-learning process.