Ministry of Education and Youth Applauds Digicel Foundation for Bridging Digital Divide in Rural Schools with Smart Room Initiative

Kingston, Jamaica – June 14, 2024 – The Ministry of Education and Youth has expressed gratitude to the Digicel Foundation for its unwavering commitment to rural education as both entities recently formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership will see the establishment of Smart Rooms at Santa Cruz Primary and Black River Primary Schools in St. Elizabeth.

At the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Education and Youth Heroes Circle office, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kasan Troupe, lauded Digicel Foundation for its inclusive approach. "This partnership between the Ministry and the Digicel Foundation is about bridging the digital divide," Dr. Troupe said. "The two schools benefiting from this partnership are in rural areas, and we must address the inequity in education. Urban cities tend to benefit more from initiatives and developments, so to know that Digicel has chosen to partner with us in our thrust for equity is extremely gratifying."

Dr. Troupe also highlighted Digicel Foundation's proactive stance during the COVID-19 pandemic. "During the COVID pandemic, when we had no blueprint to address the inequities, but Digicel Foundation was the first partner to reach out to us to support our special needs students," she said. "Their willingness to identify and address areas of neglect has been exemplary."

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation, echoed these sentiments and emphasised the Foundation's ongoing commitment to impactful community contributions. "For the past 20 years, the Digicel Foundation has been committed to making impactful contributions to the communities we serve," Miss Daniels said. "In St. Elizabeth alone, we have spent a total of J$176 million."

Miss Daniels detailed the resources that the new Smart Rooms will offer. "These Smart Rooms will soon become hubs of high-tech learning, providing 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a Mimio-compatible smart board, a printer, and a smart lock, ensuring a secure and modern learning environment."

Karen Smith-Whyte, Principal of Santa Cruz Primary and Infant School, expressed her gratitude. "We are well aware of Digicel Foundation's commitment to academic excellence and building bright futures by enhancing literacy and expanding access to technology in schools across Jamaica, bridging the digital divide. On behalf of the school and all its stakeholders, we are grateful to be recipients of this Smart Room."

Mrs. Sharon Whyte, Principal of Black River Primary and Infant School also shared her appreciation. "This Smart Room will benefit us greatly, and so we are thankful. We know that it is going to have a positive impact on our school. Both students and teachers will benefit greatly from it."

To bridge the digital divide, Digicel Foundation will be establishing Smart Rooms in 20 primary schools across the island. Santa Cruz Primary and Black River Primary Schools are the 13th and 14th schools respectively.