THE Barita Foundation, a dedicated advocate for equitable access to education, has formalised a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PACE Canada to establish a mutually beneficial partnership in fund-raising efforts. The collaboration aims to support and bolster PACE Canada’s GoFundMe project, which seeks to acquire additional OneTab devices for basic schools in Jamaica.

Barita Foundation, in partnership with the stakeholders, made an announcement of the launch of the GoFundMe page to raise funds to buy tablets for this project last Wednesday inside their offices in New Kingston.

Tanketa Chance-Wilson, executive director of the Barita Foundation, emphasised the alignment between this partnership and PACE Canada’s “One Tablet per Child” campaign. This initiative focuses on providing educational tablets to all 250 early childhood schools supported by PACE in Jamaica.

The OneTab device, approved by the Early Childhood Commission and tailored for five- to six-year-olds, offers a robust, dedicated tablet experience that promotes reading, writing, and numeracy skills. This portable device operates anytime and anywhere on the island, packaged with a durable protective case and an optional solar charger, eliminating the need for reliance on electrical outlets. The tablet comes preloaded with a specific course in the appropriate language, and it includes a test module to help teachers and parents assess students’ progress. The test module has been developed by the onebillion Foundation.

This collaboration aligns with another commendable initiative by PACE Canada involving best-selling author Marjorie Straw, aimed at acquiring 1,000 OneTab devices during the COVID-19 pandemic when many children faced challenges participating in classroom studies. As a token of appreciation, PACE Canada is offering copies of Straw’s bestselling book
Suzy The Curious Snail: Explores the Garden to individuals or organisations making donations to purchase 1,000 OneTab devices for basic schools in Jamaica. The number of books available to donors is tied to the dollar value of the donation and can be freely distributed within the local community to friends and family, or to local schools.

Chance-Wilson reiterated the Barita Foundation’s commitment to advancing early childhood education through strategic partnerships. In this context, PACE Canada stands out as an ideal collaborator to fulfil the foundation’s vision and mandate.

As part of this partnership, Barita will contribute personnel resources to support PACE Canada’s fund-raising efforts. Together, the Barita Foundation and PACE Canada aspire to make a positive impact in enhancing educational opportunities for young children in Jamaica.