STUDENTS and teachers at St Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School in Gordon Town, St Andrew, were all smiles on Labour Day as they received a donation of tablets and an interactive smartboard, marking a major step forward in the school’s efforts to integrate technology into the classroom.

The handover is part of a larger $10-million initiative led by the National Education Trust (NET), Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, and e-Learning Jamaica.

The initiative aims to modernise learning environments by providing smartboards, laptops, Internet upgrades, and teacher training to 15 special education, primary, infant, and high schools across 13 parishes.

The handover of the equipment formed part of the Labour Day activities at the school where representatives of each organisation helped repaint the playground before officially handing over 21 tablets and a smartboard to the institution.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Dana Morris Dixon said the event was not only symbolic but a reflection of the Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in education across the island.

“This was very special, we were doing the playground first and then there was a beautiful handing-over ceremony of equipments. So the school got an interactive smartboard, they also got tablets for the students and this is something we are doing across the entire country, every school is going to get this equipment,” said Morris Dixon as she acknowledged the contribution of the partner organisations.

“This is thanks to the work of the National Education Trust, plus e-Learning Jamaica, and also CHASE, who was a very important part of this handing over. We know technology is so important to our children and so I thank all of those entities for working with our schools to make sure that all our children have access to technology in education,” added Morris Dixon.

Principal at the school Lorraine Campbell-Hartley was visibly emotional as she expressed gratitude on behalf of the school.

She said the new tools will make a significant difference, especially for students who do not have access to devices at home.

“At least when they come to school, they will have hands-on experience in using it…There are also areas in the curriculum guide that will integrate technology, so it will really work with them,” she said.

Campbell-Hartley also noted the positive impact the devices would have on teaching practices at the school.

“The room that we have is not very large but it is enough for the room that we have, so you know students will take turns in making use of it but I know the work for the teachers will be much lighter. We are now in a technological age so it will enhance their teaching and learning experience,” added Campbell-Hartley.

Senior teacher at the school Edmond Ferguson echoed the principal’s enthusiasm, describing the initiative as a long-awaited dream for the school staff. “We are quite happy about this initiative and it will make a difference in the lives of the students and to improve on their teaching and learning experiences. We are hoping that by next year we can retrofit all the classes with such devices. This is one of the areas we have been dreaming about,” said Ferguson.

Chairman of the board of St Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School Fabian Sanchez (left), looks at some of the equipment gifted to the school on Labour Day. Sharing the moment are (from second left) Principal Lorraine Campbell-Hartley, Minister of Education Dr Dana Morris Dixon; student Kemal Edwards; Wilford “Billy” Heaven; chief executive officer of the CHASE Fund; and Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of the National Education Trust, Jamaica. (Naphtali Junior)