OCHO RIOS, St Ann — The new school term got off to a good start on Monday for 12 freshly recruited cadets of Prospect College in St Mary.

They were presented with new Chromebooks, part of the semi-military institution’s thrust to educate technologically savvy students.

The laptops are in addition to fully funded three-year scholarships already provided to them by generous benefactors of the institution.

“Every year, since the last five years, students have received some sort of technological device — so if not Chromebooks then it is an iPad or so on. It is a part of the school package because we understand that they need technology to pursue their education. At some point they will need to research something online or overall, just to stay current,” Principal Gregory Wint told the Jamaica Observer.

“Special thanks to the Mitchell Green Foundation — Mr Peter Green and his two grandchildren Mr Andrew Green and Alexander Green — who have been so generous. Each September morning when I see the students collecting their devices, it is just a warm… feeling. It reminds us that the benefactors are committed to the development of the boys,” he added.

There were smiles of gratitude on the faces of many parents and students when the devices were handed out on Monday.

Nickeisha Bailey, whose 15-year-old son Paul-Nichel Basil was among the students, said the donated laptop was yet another indication that she had made the right choice to transfer her son to Prospect College.

“Being a single mom I just wanted the best for my son. I know the potential of this school and some of the great people that came here so that is why I moved him to this school from Oracabessa High, because it seems that he was going backwards in terms of his grades,” said Bailey.

The mantra that governs Prospect College speaks to discipline and holistic moulding along with growth of the young men who study there. There are now 32 students enrolled.

“So far I can say I am pleased with what I’m seeing. I’m happy that he is receiving this laptop to help with his education and I pray that he uses his time wisely and excels in the best way that he can,” Bailey added.

Also among those who urged the boys to make the best use of their time spent at Prospect College was Pastor Onyeka Nevins of the North Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Please make the best of your time because it is the greatest thing in human existence. Whatever you do with your time now in 2022 will determine your outcome in 2023 and beyond,” Nevins emphasised.