HOMESTEAD Primary and Infant School in St Catherine will benefit from the establishment of a smart room which will enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students.

The facility, to be set up through US$60,000 from Digicel Foundation, will be equipped with technology devices such as laptops, tablets and a smart screen.

It forms part of the foundation’s science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) initiative which is aimed at helping to bridge the digital divide and provide an advanced learning environment that promotes digital skills and prepares students for the challenges of the future.

Senior operations manager at the foundation Jodi-Ann McFarlane said the entity is on a drive to improve STEM education and has donated mobile science laboratories to schools that have limited space.

“We have realised the great digital divide and the lack of digital resources to meet the demand in this increasingly evolving and globalised world, therefore we are establishing smart rooms in primary schools and equipping them with Jamaica’s fastest fibre Internet connection,” she said during the recent grant-signing ceremony held at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew.

Regional director at the Ministry of Education and Youth Sophia Forbes Hall welcomed the support, noting that it will enhance the school’s educational offerings.

And Principal Sophia Deer, in expressing gratitude, said the funds will go a “long way in enhancing our STEM programme”.

Under its STEAM initiative, Digicel Foundation will be creating 10 smart rooms in primary schools across rural Jamaica by 2024.

The foundation is also installing disability access ramps at institutions across the island, and in St Catherine it has already outfitted McAuley Primary School, Windsor School of Special Education, and Ensom City Primary.

“Our work within the region six education region has yielded significant positive outcomes. We remain committed to our mission,” said Clarke.