ST ANN, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Ann North East, Matthew Samuda, has commended the Universal Service Fund (USF) for what he described as the transformative impact of its Connect a Child Programme, praising the agency’s continued efforts to bridge Jamaica’s digital divide and empower students through technology.

Speaking at a recent tablet handover ceremony at St Ann’s Bay Primary School, where the top 10 performing students were awarded devices, Samuda said the initiative was both timely and impactful.

“The USF deserves high commendation for this forward-thinking initiative. It goes far beyond simply distributing devices; it is placing real opportunity into the hands of our students. For many of these children, a tablet means access to knowledge, the ability to explore beyond the classroom, to research, to learn independently, and to build skills that will shape their future. This programme is helping to remove barriers, ignite curiosity and empower our young people to believe in their potential. It is, in every sense, an investment in the minds, the confidence and the future of Jamaica’s next generation,” Samuda said.

In a release, the Member of Parliament highlighted the programme’s critical role in ensuring equitable access to digital tools, particularly for students from underserved communities.

“This programme plays a critical role in ensuring that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, is given a fair and equal opportunity to succeed. Too often, potential is limited not by ability, but by access. What this initiative does is remove that barrier by placing the necessary tools directly into the hands of our children. It allows a student from any community to access the same information, the same learning platforms and the same opportunities as any other child across the country. In doing so, it not only levels the playing field but also builds confidence, encourages independence in learning and inspires students to aim higher. This is how we create a more inclusive, empowered and future-ready generation,” he emphasised.

Samuda also reaffirmed his commitment to the education sector, announcing that significant investment will be made through his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to address challenges across St Ann North East. The funding, he said, will support infrastructure upgrades, resources and targeted initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and strengthening the overall learning environment.

The Connect a Child Programme forms part of a broader national push toward digital transformation in education, ensuring that Jamaican students are equipped to keep pace with global advancements. With artificial intelligence (AI) expected to play an increasingly significant role in the future, Samuda stressed the importance of preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“We must ensure that our students are not left behind in a world that is moving quickly toward digital and AI-driven solutions. Programmes like this are critical to that mission,” he noted.

Nationally, the initiative is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits, including expanded access to educational resources, improved digital literacy and greater student engagement — key components in building a future-ready workforce and enhancing Jamaica’s global competitiveness.