More laptops and tablets needed in push to put devices in each student’s hands
/ Our Today
administrator
With just about 30 per cent of learners having no access to a device that allows internet access, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is focused on distributing more than 200,000 devices to reduce the deficit.
Of this amount, Holness said the Government has distributed or is in the process of procuring 123,000 devices.
The prime minister, who was speaking to students and parents at Calabar Infant, Primary and Junior High, acknowledged that access and internet speed will impact how well students do and this was why the Government would have to ensure that, irrespective of socio-economic status, every student can access the internet.
He said there is an estimated 500,000 learners in the system on which the Government wishes to focus: the early childhood, the primary and the high school levels.
The Government is procuring 15,000 laptops for students between grades 10 and 13. An additional 16,000 tablets is being procured for students between grades 7 and 9.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said 12,000 households have redeemed vouchers under the Own Your Own Device programme.
The prime minister commended civil society and the diaspora, particularly the Consular General of Jamaica to New York who mobilised diaspora support for the success of the One Tablet or Computer Per Child programme which has pooled 16,000 tablets and 785 laptops.
Holness also drew attention to the recent announcement by Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke that members of parliament will be provided with resources to acquire 100 devices for their constituencies.
Meanwhile the prime minister noted that through his own Positive Jamaica Foundation, he has been able to receive support for the purchase of a thousand devices which he has been distributing. He is encouraging every Jamaican where they can, to help a child to own a device.
The prime minister handed over tablets and other devices to about 40 students of the Calabar Infant, Primary and Junior High. The school was also gifted, a printer which was made possible through Printware Online.
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