The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Thursday began distributing 630 Samsung Galaxy tablets islandwide to students who have been identified by their Members of Parliament as being in need.

The devices are being distributed, from September 19 to October 2, 2024, under the USF’s Connect a Child programme.

By a Ministerial Order for the 2023/24 academic year, the USF was assigned the responsibility of distributing 10 tablets to each MP for allocation to students within their constituencies.

According to the USF in a release, following the successful implementation of this initiative, Technology Minister Daryl Vaz authorised the continuation of the Connect a Child programme for the 2024/25 academic year.

Funded entirely by the USF, this programme aims to enhance educational access for high-achieving Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students from low-income families.

Sharing his comments, Acting CEO of the Fund, Andrew McRae, said, “The Connect a Child programme is designed to support students who excel academically but face financial challenges. By providing each MP with 10 tablets, the program ensures that deserving students have access to the digital tools necessary for their continued academic success.

“All recipients have been selected based on their academic performance and family income status, with the added provision of having access to Wi-Fi to maximise the tablets’ effectiveness,” he said.