By Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
THE JAMAICA Public Service Company (JPSCo) has initiated a programme to assist with the development of information technology at basic schools across the island.
The company said it has already distributed 75 used computers to a number of basic schools and would continue to do so.
JPSCo community relations manager, Maurice Reid, said that by equipping basic schools with computers, the Company hoped it would provide children not only with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of computers, but also to assist them in enhancing the overall learning process.
Mr. Reid was speaking at the St. Mary Early Childhood Parish Board's annual awards ceremony at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Hotel, Ocho Rios, last week.
He presented two computers, valued at more than $70,000, to the Islington Basic School in St. Mary.
In a further expression of JPSCo's commitment to early childhood development, the company's community relations officer, Daffodil Bruce, presented a scholarship grant to a teacher at the Clifford Basic School, Carrol Kelly, who was named "Teacher of the Year" for St. Mary. The scholarship grant, tenable at the Moneague College in St. Ann, will pay for a year's tuition at that institution.
Mr. Reid said the JPSCo was fully aware of the needs of some of the island's basic schools and would continue to maintain its partnership with those early childhood institutions.
Chairman of the St. Mary Early Childhood Board, Lloyd Chin, highlighted a number of new developments in early childhood education and care, including the certification of early childhood workers and the exposure to computer technology.
He said, however, that it was time the authorities move to address the deplorable conditions at some basic schools, especially the removal of all existing pit latrines.
Custos of St. Mary, Bobby Pottinger, who also spoke at the function, pointed to the responsibility entrusted in teachers and encouraged them to continue to guide the nation's future leaders.
