THE Digicel Foundation has handed over two state-of-the-art smart labs to St Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College, marking another milestone in its mission to advance education through technology and innovation.

The smart labs, each outfitted with 24 laptops and a Mimio-compatible smart board, are part of the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that teacher training institutions are equipped with modern tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the smart lab at St Joseph’s Teachers’ College last Thursday Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, said the investment reflects the its dedication to building a more inclusive and technology-driven education system.

“Teachers are the backbone of our society. Every doctor, engineer or scientist begins with a teacher who believed in them. And today, in this digital age, we want to give our teachers the tools that will make their work more impactful and more efficient,” Daniels said.

“This smart lab has been fully retrofitted and outfitted with advanced technology, including 24 laptops and an interactive smart board powered by MimioStudio Educational software,” added Daniels.

At St Joseph’s Teachers’ College, the newly installed smart lab has already been embraced by faculty and students. Winsome Francis, principal of the teachers’ college, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting its alignment with the college’s mission to prepare 21st-century educators.

“This smart lab is a game-changer for our students,” said Francis. “It allows us to expose future teachers to the technology they will use in the classroom, helping them to innovate and connect with learners in new and exciting ways. We are thankful to the Digicel Foundation for making this possible,” added Francis

Meanwhile, at The Mico University College, the second of the two smart labs was officially handed over this week.

Dr Asburn Pinnock, president of The Mico University College, said the lab will enhance teaching practice.

“This smart lab embodies the intersection of education and technology that will now serve as a powerful hub of creativity, collaboration and digital literacy,” Dr Pinnock stated.

“The lab will provide a dynamic space for teachers to explore innovative teaching methods and a training ground for lecturers to model technology integration and instruction.”

Representing the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr Kasan Troupe, permanent secretary, commended the Digicel Foundation for its continued partnership and support of national education priorities.

“We applaud the Digicel Foundation for understanding the mission and vision of transformation in education,” said Dr Troupe.

“This investment means that our teachers will be equipped with the skill set to prepare our young people for the global digital economy. As this lab comes available, I encourage our teachers to embrace the new learning opportunity,” added Dr Troupe.

The smart labs at St Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College are the first two of five labs in teacher training colleges the Digicel Foundation will roll out this financial year as part of its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and digital literacy programme.