THE Trelawny-based Hague Primary School is entering a new era of learning, exploration, and creativity with the opening of a fully functional computer lab.

Described as a ‘dream come true’, the lab is equipped with new, high-performance computers valued at $3.6 million, thanks to donations from the Sandals Foundation and Coca-Cola Latin America.

The lab marks a significant step forward, granting access to cutting-edge technology for more than 1,000 students and the wider school community.

At the official handover ceremony, Principal Damion Elvin emphasised the importance of the lab in transforming education at the school.

“Our students, many of whom don’t have access to computers at home, will now be able to readily access information through this wonderful initiative. This gift will add immense value to our school and complement the various programmes we have in place to support our children’s overall development,” said Elvin as he expressed gratitude to the Sandals Foundation.

“The Sandals Foundation has truly made our school a happy place. It has always been our dream to have a computer lab that could keep our students at the forefront of technology in this ever-evolving, tech-savvy world — and now that dream has become a reality,” added Elvin.

The new lab houses 20 desktop computers, all loaded with the latest versions of industry-standard software suitable for learning. With high-speed Internet and specialised resources, the lab will support students in various tasks, including research projects.

Grade 6 student Elizabeth Haye, speaking on behalf of her classmates, highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements in the 21st century.

She noted that students must be well-prepared to take advantage of future opportunities. As she looks forward to continuing her educational journey, Haye pointed out that information technology (IT) is a core subject at the high school level, and this new lab will give students like her a head start in their preparation.

Haye was also confident that the computer lab would make learning more enjoyable and will help students develop skills that are essential in today’s world.

“Access to technology should no longer be a privilege but a right,” said Rochelle Forbes-Reid, regional public relations manager for Sandals in the Montego Bay region, whose office played a key role in connecting Hague Primary with the Sandals Foundation.

“This lab is part of our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that as many students as possible have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital economy,” said Forbes-Reid as she officially handed over the computers to the school.

She was delighted to see how quickly the students became engaged with various activities. Some students, already familiar with the technology, eagerly demonstrated graphics programs, video games, Internet browsing, and more to their classmates.

Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, shared her excitement about the impact of the donation.

“These computers will connect our young students to a wealth of information and the wider world. In today’s society, technology is not just a tool… it’s a necessity. Proficiency in its use opens doors to social services, job opportunities, health care, and more. By building students’ digital literacy at a young age, we are helping them navigate future challenges and seize opportunities,” said Clarke.

The students were encouraged to explore, innovate, and use the technology to shape the world around them. They were also inspired to go beyond merely consuming technology and become creators of it.

“Overall, the future is bright, and we are excited to see how the students of Hague Primary will make it their own,” Clarke concluded.

Interim computer science teacher Everaldo Bennett points out something to a student inside Hague Primary School’s new computer lab.

Interim computer science teacher Everaldo Bennett (left) and Rochelle Forbes-Reid, representing the Sandals Foundation, are animated as they discuss the capabilities of the new computer lab at Hague Primary School.

Hague Primary School Principal Damion Elvin tests the knowledge of his students inside a newly opened computer lab at the school.