Jamaican Prime Minister distributes over 60 tablets to needy students

Jamaica: Prime Minister – Andrew Holness distributed more than 60 tablet computers to enable needy students in Trelawny Northern to maintain virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The devices were handed over to the Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, for distribution to the students. Besides this, the Prime Minister, via his “Positive Jamaica Foundation”, donated a multifunctional laser printer to an institution that has been selected by Ms Hamilton to support the printing of educational material.

PM Holness cited that the gift of the tablets represents the Jamaican Government’s commitment to making sure that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to learn in the virtual space.

Following the statement, he further added that “It is our solid commitment to ensure that our children are able to get an education, even if they are not able to attend school physically, and so we are supporting them with tablets. So, the Government of Jamaica has assisted, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), ensuring that children who are on PATH get a device. That has gone well.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized that in addition to plans made for students on – PATH, students continue to receive assistance under the ‘Own Your Own Device’ – (OYOD) initiative. He added, “The programme is progressing steadily and encouraged needy parents to register children under the initiative.”

“That programme is moving apace. I gather it has not moved as quickly, but still, parents are taking advantage of it. I encourage parents who have resources, but would need a subsidy, to inquire more about that programme and participate in that programme,” the Prime Minister further highlighted.

Ms Hamilton also added that the distribution of these devices would greatly assist needy students who have been striving to access classes virtually.