IN recognition of Read Across Jamaica Day 2026, the Digicel Foundation brought literacy to life through a series of interactive reading sessions in primary schools across the island, delivered under its Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme.

More than 20 Digicel employees volunteered their time to support the initiative, visiting St Richards Primary, Rollington Town Primary, Spanish Town Primary, and Constant Spring Primary, where they read with students and facilitated engaging discussions focused on online safety.

Students were introduced to the SIT Squad by Kavelle Hylton, CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub. The interactive comic and activity book promotes safe, responsible and positive Internet use.

By blending reading with practical digital lessons, students learned how to protect their personal information, recognise online risks and make informed decisions when navigating digital spaces.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the need for early and inclusive digital education.

“As children become increasingly connected online, it is essential that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely,” said Daniels.

“The Safer Internet Together programme goes beyond students, it engages teachers, parents and even senior citizens, ensuring that entire communities are empowered to use technology responsibly and confidently,” added Daniels.

The SIT programme is a year-long national initiative designed to educate and empower students, teachers, parents and the elderly on digital literacy, online safety and emerging technologies.

In its pilot year in 2025, the programme directly reached more than 34,000 students across 150 schools and impacted more than 2,000 senior citizens through digital literacy and artificial intelligence workshops.

Building on this success, year two of the SIT programme begins in May 2026, with an expanded focus on deepening digital awareness and creating safer Online environments for all Jamaicans.

Shaquel Levy, a Digicel Foundation volunteer, engages students at St Richards Primary School by sharing images from the SIT Squad comic and interactive activity book.