STUDENTS of St Stephen's Early Childhood Education Centre in Cross Roads, St Andrew, took their first steps into the information age on Thursday, with the opening of a computer lab at their school.

The lab, which costs $3 million, was the result of the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North and the Universal Access Fund.

Gregory Hugh Sam, president of the Rotary Club, said the project was part of his organisation's three-year commitment to the school.

"Last year, we painted and did some renovation. This year, we did the infrastructure work by converting an old lunch room into the computer room [and] put in the electricity and air conditioning," he said.

Hugh Sam said he was elated with the project as it would assist in the children's development.

"I also look forward for the teachers at the school to be properly trained, so they can be proficient in the computers' use. The lab will become a homework centre for high school students in and around the area as well as a school for adults in the nights," he said.

Hugh Cross, managing director of the Universal Access Fund Company Limited, was delighted to be a part of the project, which is in keeping with his organisation's vision.

"When the Rotary Club approached us for support, we were happy to partner with them on the initiative. Our mandate is really very simple: to ensure every Jamaican resident has easy and reliable access to the information super highway," he said.

Cross said the fact that the facility would become a centre for adults, means it will assist in nation building.

"Access to the Internet is very critical for national development," he continued.

Cross said the Universal Access Fund Company Limited had facilitated Internet cafés in 96 communities across the island and have 45 more under construction.

"There are applications for over 100," he said.