THE Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada, in collaboration with local partners, on Tuesday donated OneTab Tablets valued at US$88,400 (approximately $14 million) to early childhood institutions across Jamaica.

The 1,500 devices were handed over during a ceremony at Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St Andrew.

Presentations were made to three of the 300 beneficiary institutions — Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I, Jamaica House Basic School and Little Angels Early Childhood Development Centre.

The tablets are dedicated learning devices, which means there are no other applications on them and children cannot change any of the device settings.

The dual-powered tablets can be charged by electricity or solar and no Internet connection is required.

PACE Canada, a registered charitable foundation since 1987, is focused on enhancing the overall development of young children at the critical age of three to six years.

President Diana Burke shared that in its first phase, more than 900 tablets were donated under the Government’s One Laptop per Child Initiative, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of PACE’s mottos is helping young children succeed. We know these devices will be part of that process,” Burke said.

Partners in the project include Barita Foundation, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Doctor’s Cave, JPS Foundation, VM Foundation, and author Marjorie Straw.

Executive director of Barita Foundation Tanketa Chance-Wilson expressed gratitude to all the partners, highlighting the unique benefits of the OneTab devices.

“It can be used in different parts of the island where sometimes Internet access is a challenge. Parents and teachers can feel comfortable to allow the children to use these tablets, because there is no Internet access and the content is safe. Safe content in today’s world is so important because there is so much that children are often exposed to,” said Chance-Wilson.

— JIS