SILENCED by fire eight months ago, the keyboards at Bustamante High School are clicking again as the institution celebrated the handover of three computer labs on Monday which is seen as a major step in restoring digital learning for hundreds of students in the wake of last year’s devastating blaze.

The upgrades are part of a $10-million investment led by the Universal Service Fund (USF) in collaboration with e-Learning Jamaica and the FLOW Foundation, aimed at rebuilding and enhancing the school’s information and communication technology capacity.

In September 2024, a fire severely damaged the school’s computer labs, destroying more than 100 devices previously supplied by e-Learning Jamaica. The incident significantly disrupted classes in information technology and electronic document preparation and management, leaving students without essential tools for digital learning.

While only one of the three computer labs has been fully completed and officially handed over, the remaining two are still under construction.

However, students and staff gathered during a handover ceremony at the school on Monday to mark the milestone, hailing it as a turning point for the school’s digital recovery.

“When I reflected on the incident which gave rise to this gathering [and] the emotion that gripped the school community on September 2024 as we gathered to watch the flames that destroyed both our computer labs, at that moment, we were not sure what the future holds for us. Our already disadvantaged students must now face the trauma of the loss along with the obvious challenges that come with it. But today, the sky is clear, the storm is over, hope has returned,” said Principal Wayne Evans, while reflecting on the incident.

He expressed gratitude to the donors, noting that their swift response helped the school recover stronger than before.

“Your kindness has not just helped to restore the confidence and hope of our students, but it has put us in a better position than where we were before. The Bible is truly manifested here,” Evans added.

Chief executive officer at USF Charlton McFarlane credited the students and staff for their resilience, noting that the new labs were more than just new equipment.

“When the fire hit last year September and the lab was destroyed, it wasn’t just the equipment that was lost, it was a blow to your access. It was a blow to your learning. Indeed, it was a blow to your ability to connect with a world that’s moving faster and faster every day. But here’s what you all showed us. You didn’t give up, you pivoted and you adapted, you kept showing up and that is what inspired us to act fast [and] to come together quickly,” he said.

CEO at e-Learning Jamaica, Andrew Lee, announced that they will not only be handing over 100 laptops to the school, but will also be committing substantial resources to ensure safety and reduce the risk of future fires.

“I am pleased to announce that we will be providing two interactive panels for the upper floor for the two rooms and we will provide one charging card to charge the devices downstairs, and one for upstairs, and now this will significantly reduce wiring in the space and therefore reduce the risk of any more fires,” he said

Also speaking at the event, assistant chief education officer at the Ministry of Education, Skills and Information Dr Olivine Evans described the upgraded labs as “launch pads for innovation” and emphasised their transformative potential.

“The labs will represent opportunity. Students, you will have tools at your fingertips and possibilities and the hope that will empower you to dream bigger, learn faster, and engage more deeply with the world around you.

“With these labs students at Bustamante will be able to access the same digital platform as students in Kingston, New York, Tokyo, anywhere in the world,” she said.