Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on equipping young people with the skills to chart successful livelihoods and careers have each received a donation of laptop computers from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Family Association to assist with delivering their programs.
The computer equipment was handed over to representatives from the Caribbean Science Foundation and I Am A Girl Barbados last week at the IDB Barbados Country Office in Welches, Christ Church.
President of the IDB Family Association’s Barbados chapter, Laura Bomrad explained: “Through our Social Assistance Committee, the IDB Family Association aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. We prioritise projects that will benefit children, teens, and women, especially those that promote learning and training that can make an impact in the community. Now more than ever before, digital and ICT skills are essential to participate fully in society and thrive. The Barbados chapter is therefore pleased to support the Caribbean Science Foundation and I Am A Girl Barbados n providing capacity building and training to young people in Barbados.”
With its mission to provide opportunities for girls to lead and create positive change, I Am A Girl Barbados offers capacity building, community development, mentorship, and advocacy services to girls aged five to 18 years and serves as a source of guidance and support for their overall growth into adulthood.
Founder and Executive Director, Alian Ollivierre, in accepting the donation, said: “Part of our strategy is building capacity through girl-centric programming and providing resources for personal upliftment and educational development.
This support being offered – for which we can’t thank the IDB Family Association enough – is to use these devices to achieve just that. The girls will receive training on digital media and technology management, while enhancing their digital literacy and competency for work, business, and community projects.
Our aim is to ensure that our girls have a comprehensive outlook and foundation of transitional skills within this digital age that amplifies their opportunities, ignites their creativity and entrepreneurial drive, while also empowering them to have an advantage on their professional journeys across various careers.”
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), which works to harness science and technology for economic development in the region through a variety of programs, will be using the laptops to facilitate its Computer Coding Workshops, held twice yearly to help train the technology workforce of the future.
Administrative Assistant with the CSF, Veronica Manning, accepted the donation on behalf of the organisation, noting: “Each year, we encounter students who wish to participate in the coding workshops but who do not have the devices required.
“Either they do not own a laptop computer personally and must borrow from a family member when access is available, or the devices available are not up to the required standard needed to run the software.
In some cases, students simply do not have the financial means to acquire a laptop computer.
These laptops being provided by the IDB Family Association will be used to help those extreme cases of disadvantaged students who are willing to learn and contribute to their community and the Caribbean region.
We strongly believe it is imperative that access to the knowledge required not be hampered by a mere lack of access to the tools needed for training.”
The donation was coordinated by the IDB Family Association of Barbados, in collaboration with the IDB Family Association in Washington DC, the IDB’s Information Technology (IT) Department, and the Barbados Country Office.
The Social Assistance Committee of the IDB Family Association supports initiatives that promote mainly social or educational development and has previously contributed to the Senior Citizens Village in Vauxhall, Christ Church.
The IDB Family Association is an organisation funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to provide support for the families of IDB employees in their adaptation process through several programs and activities to help them bond and feel integrated into the community.
The Family Association is present in 26 country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean to provide support to the families who relocate, as well as to develop, promote, and carry out various social programs and efforts through its Social Assistance Committee. To learn more about eligibility for Social Assistance, visit the IDB Family Association website. (PR)
