Forty computers were officially handed over to four (4) schools in Jamalco’s operating areas in Clarendon
and Manchester under the company’s Computers in Schools Programme. The presentation exercise took
place at the Bustamante High School in Clarendon on Thursday, June 18.
The computers valued at almost $5 million is donated to support students access to technology. These
devices are critically needed by schools to support the 2020 CSEC examinations, strengthen learning as
part of their computer laboratories as well as improve the students’ access to technology.
The forty computers will be handed over to the following schools:
- Lennon High
- Bustamante High
- Mile Gully High
- Cross Keys High
Addressing the ceremony, Member of Parliament, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jnr. commended Jamalco for its
commitment to Jamaica’s growth and development and encouraged students to use the technology
efficiently.
The Minister pointed out that Jamalco’s donation demonstrates the “success that can come from public
private partnerships and a clear calculation of how their investment will impact and make a difference in the community, the education sector and Jamaica.”
“This donation does not only benefit the forty schools, and the community but will shape the destiny of the students and help to close the gap that separates those who have access to technology from those who do not,” he said.
Regional Director for Region 7, Barrington Richardson, who represented the Ministry of Education, thanked Jamalco for ‘supporting the Ministry of Education’s effort in the Region as well as using the opportunity to respond to the technological changes currently occurring on a global scale’
In his remarks, Jamalco’s Managing Director, Austin Mooney, outlined that Jamalco “recognizes the
importance of technology in education. We are aware that as we experience the COVID-19 Pandemic, the changing landscape has exacerbated the need for and use of technology. This programme was conceived even before the Pandemic to support these schools, by equipping their computer labs, as the students prepare for the CSEC examinations. It has now become even more critical as we advance to further reliance on technology by improving students’ access to the resources to do so.”
Jamalco’s Computers in Schools is one of many initiatives aimed at strengthening educational resources in their operating communities. The company has a longstanding history of providing educational resources for schools and underprivileged students from the early childhood level to tertiary level.
Principal of Lennon High School, Frederick Rattray, expressed gratitude on behalf of the four schools and explained that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, teachers “have to change the way they teach, and this donation is presenting an opportunity for them to do just that”.
In 2016 and 2017, Jamalco donated some 200 computer tablets to 28 primary schools within our operating areas. The company is now in the selection process to award some Ten Million Dollars in scholarships, bursaries and grants to over 300 students who reside in Clarendon and Manchester.