USF Hands Over Computers to Paul Bogle VTI

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has provided 30 desktop computers, a Starlink unit and a printer, valued at approximately $9 million, to the Paul Bogle Vocational Training Institute (VTI) in Lyssons, St. Thomas.

The equipment was handed over during a ceremony at the institution on Wednesday (September 30), and is expected to significantly strengthen the Institute’s capacity to deliver information technology (IT) training, while improving digital access for students and members of the surrounding community.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, said the Institute was selected under the organisation’s Institutional Benefits Programme, based on the strength of its application and the demand for its programmes.

“We get several applications from individuals and institutions for assistance,” he said.

“Paul Bogle VTI would have been selected under the Institutional Benefits Programme and it was based on the strength of the case that they presented when they told us the amount of students that they have, the fact that they are currently oversubscribed in almost every programme, and that for each programme of study that they offer, students are required to do computer courses as part of their matriculation exercise,” he continued.

Mr. McFarlane said the USF responded to the Institute’s request for 30 computers while also providing internet and printing solutions.

“They asked for 30, we provided 30. In addition to that, we also assisted them with providing internet solutions as well as printing solutions. So, in a real way, we could say that we have offered an end-to-end solution for their computer and IT needs,” he said.

The donation marks the second time the USF has provided computers to the institution, following an initial donation of 25 desktop computers in 2019.

Mr. McFarlane said the initiative forms part of the USF’s efforts to promote digital equity by extending technology and connectivity to communities where access remains limited.

“What it means is that we are now reaching unserved and underserved communities… we are reaching the most vulnerable, we are reaching the least digitally exposed,” he said.

“What the USF is trying to do is to bring about what we refer to as digital equity because we know that the tools needed to properly manoeuvre and navigate in a digital space, they are not necessarily cheap,” he added.

Chairman of the Paul Bogle VTI, Marcel Clarke, described the donation as “a timely contribution”, noting that the institution was facing serious challenges with its computer facilities ahead of the new academic term in October.

He said the current batch of trainees had been completing their IT programme with only five working computers, with the situation becoming even more difficult when some of the machines malfunctioned.

Mr. Clarke said the situation had created uncertainty ahead of the start of the new school year.

“Today is timely; we were nervous going into the new school year which starts in October, with only five maybe working,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the opportunities that the expanded computer facilities will create for the Institute and its trainees.

“I am excited and I see a broad horizon ahead of us because now we can offer a lot more,” he said.