Tech boost for students . . . Open Campus donates 100 tablets

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus has donated 100 tablets to secondary school students.

The Open Campus donated the tablets to the less fortunate students involved in its Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges -Transforming Children’s Lives (PTFTC-TCL) programme through a partnership with the programme’s main sponsor Dr Arvat McClaine.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the immediate closure of schools, the Open Campus donated the tablets so students would be able to continue their school work through online classes.

Speaking to those who gathered for the presentation ceremony at the Open Campus Country Site, The Pine, St Michael, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Senator Dr Romel Springer said the donation will play a role in bridging the digital divide in Barbados.

Senator Springer said those overseeing education have concluded that if another event similar to the pandemic occurs in Barbados, technology would have to be used to ensure that teaching sessions continue even if the physical school plant is closed.

“We cannot allow for our system to close down or to be caught flat-footed in the way that would have occurred in the last couple months. We have learned lessons and we have to move forward with any eventualities in mind, especially as it relates to teaching.

“We cannot put a halt on the instruction of our teaching of the nation’s children. So donations like these we can well appreciate and I am sure that not only the Ministry thanks you, but Barbados thanks you. And the children that will receive these devices, they thank you,” Senator Springer said.

Speaking via Zoom from the United States, Dr McClaine said she was happy to be able to continuously contribute to the programme which has been designed to enrich the lives of young people in Barbados. (AH)