DIGICEL Foundation has taken another step in its mission to create a digitally inclusive Jamaica with the start of construction of a state-of-the-art smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

The lab, co-funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is designed to support students with special needs and is one of several being rolled out islandwide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

“Every child deserves access to technology and the future it brings,” said Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.

“As a foundation, we are prioritising the communities that are often overlooked, because we believe digital inclusion is a right,” added Daniels.

The smart lab at NAZ will be equipped with laptops, tablets, a MIMIO-compatible smart board, a printer, and assistive software tailored to children with diverse learning needs.

“This smart lab will allow our children to learn and explore more, especially children on the spectrum. The lab will give them an opportunity to use technology in a guided way,” said Alixann Narcisse-Campbell, principal and director of NAZ Children’s Centre.

“For years we have dreamed of a space like this. We’re grateful to the Digicel Foundation for making it a reality and for valuing the unique potential of every child,” added Narcisse-Campbell.

The establishment of the NAZ Children’s Centre Smart Lab coincides with Digicel’s wider infrastructure development in Montego Bay, where the company is laying underground fibre to support the growing demand for reliable high-speed Internet in western Jamaica.

“Digicel’s fibre expansion is a game-changer, especially for students and teachers at NAZ who’ll now enjoy a seamless online experience,” said Kristalle Chin, Digicel’s general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+.

“With our fibre now reaching Montego Bay, we’re empowering digital spaces such as the foundation’s smart labs and boosting digital access across western Jamaica,” added Chin.