STUDENTS at the 100-year-old Morant Bay Primary School in St Thomas can now better navigate the digital age, following the handover of a fully equipped smart laboratory by the Digicel Foundation.

On Monday the school marked its centennial with a Homecoming Day, when the lab was officially opened.

Chief executive officer of the Digicel Foundation and past student of the school Charmaine Daniels noted that the initiative is part of its 20th anniversary main project, whereby it intends to hand over smart labs to 21 schools by December.

Daniels said it is hoped that the facility will engage students in hands-on learning and immerse them in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum.

“Teachers… embrace the technology, utilise it to make learning exciting for the kids. Parents, we crave your support in making sure that your children take care of the room,” said Daniels.

For her part, Principal Fay Lindsay, welcomed the “cutting edge facility”, which she said will propel the school into the future by equipping students with the skills to succeed in an ever-changing world.

“To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of this lab, our dedicated teachers will provide comprehensive training for students on lab usage and safety protocols, establish clear rules and guidelines for lab use, supervise students during lab sessions, encourage responsible behaviour and accountability among students, and regularly inspect and maintain lab equipment,” said Lindsay.

“We trust that our students will take pride in this incredible resource and treat it with care and respect,” added Lindsay.

Joining in the ribbon-cutting exercise to mark the handover of the room were Custos of St Thomas Marcia Bennett; Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern Dr Michelle Charles, and chairman of the school board Winston Downie.