Kingston, Jamaica – Education Minister, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon has handed over tablet devices to the students of the Leeds Primary and Infant school in St Elizabeth to help support remote learning modalities, following a fire at the school late Sunday night into early Monday morning.

The tablets, which were provided by E-learning Jamaica Company Limited, were handed over with SIM cards from the Flow Foundation. They have been equipped with SIM cards with 30-day data plans to support students without an internet connection at home.

The fire, which started in the school’s main office, resulted in damage to key areas, including the main office, staff room, library, and three classrooms.

“We are awaiting the official report for the cause of the fire from the Fire Brigade,” said Morris Dixon on Friday.
She said online classes will continue to ensure there is no learning loss while investigations continue and the ministry conducts assessments into the rebuilding process.

“Remote classes were immediately activated on Monday and all parents and guardians have been informed. These tablets and SIMs are to assist students who do not already have access to devices so they can actively attend and participate in classes,” said Morris Dixon.

She added that, “The principal is also putting provisions in place to accommodate Grade 6 students for in-person sessions, recognising the importance of their preparation for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. I would like to thank E-learning Jamaica Company Limited and the Flow Foundation for moving to support Leeds in their hour of need. The public and private sectors saw this tragedy and they stepped in to support the students when they needed it the most”.

The minister said her ministry is committed to supporting the school community during this challenging period.