Computers valued at some $2m were officially handed over to Mile Gully High School under the company’s Computers in Schools Programme. The presentation exercise took place at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester.
In addressing the ceremony, Member of Parliament for Northwest Manchester, Mikhail Phillips applauded Jamalco for its commitment to Jamaica’s growth and development through consistent support of the community. The MP encouraged other donors to examine the needs of the community and target the development of human capital within communities.
In his remarks, Jamalco’s Managing Director, Marvin Jackson, urged the students to regard these computers as “instruments of empowerment and enlightenment. Let them ignite your curiosity, fuel your ambition, and propel you toward a future filled with promise and opportunity,” he stated. He commended the teachers, for their passion and dedication in shaping the minds of the students and noted that the donation of computers will support their effort at nurturing the next generation. “Together we are united in our commitment to education, innovation and the collective growth of our young people.”
Education Officer for Region 5, Sophia Brown-Sinclair, who represented the Ministry of Education, thanked Jamalco for “the excellent partnership which has resulted in the company equipping students for the technological era.” She also explained that this donation is in keeping with the Ministry’s Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) initiative which is designed to revolutionize the country’s educational system by improving performance at all levels of the education system.
Board Chairman, Miss Simone Scarlett, expressed gratitude to Jamalco for recognizing the needs of the school and showing foresight and vision by investing in the technological future of the students and the school.
Acting Principal of Mile Gully High School, Claudette Robinson-Shaw, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school for the gift of computers and a multimedia projector. She explained that the external examination pass rate will only get better for students sitting subjects such as Electronic Document Preparation Management (EDPM), AutoCAD as well as Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing because of this donation.
Jamalco’s Computers in Schools programme began in 2016 and since then Jamalco has donated 200 computer tablets to 28 primary schools within their operating areas. In addition, many schools and community organizations have benefited from the programme which has also offered basic computer skills training to residents in its operating areas. The Mile Gully Primary School and the Mocho Police also benefited from computer donations during separate presentations in the community.