Scores of Schools In Hurricane-Affected Parishes to Receive Satellite Broadband Internet

The e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJam) is set to enhance connectivity and resilience in the education system, with 150 schools in hurricane-affected parishes to receive satellite broadband internet by the end of March.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrew Lee, said the initiative forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that teaching and learning can continue uninterrupted, even during and after severe weather events.

Speaking at the announcement of winners and awards ceremony for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Creative Expression Competition on Thursday (March 19), at the Altamont Court Hotel in Kingston, he noted that the agency has already been providing schools with broadband connectivity via satellite since Hurricane Melissa, enabling institutions to maintain access to online learning, despite disruptions.

He explained that the continued deployment of satellite-based broadband will allow schools to remain connected despite challenges to traditional infrastructure.

“By the end of this month (March)… 150 of our schools will have satellite internet broadband connectivity,” he noted.

Mr. Lee further indicated that the connectivity upgrade will be paired with the installation of solar-powered electricity systems at the same institutions, strengthening their capacity to function independently when the national grid is compromised.

“eLearning Jamaica will be providing matching solar-powered electricity to these schools, helping to ensure that teaching and learning can continue even after severe weather events,” he added.

The move is part of broader efforts by eLearning Jamaica to build resilience within the education sector by integrating reliable digital connectivity with renewable energy solutions, particularly in the wake of recent hurricane impacts.