Minister of Education Andrew Holness (right) listens as chairman of the Early Childhood Commission, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaugah (centre), explains a point. The occasion was the launch of 'Tech De Bus II', a computer-equipped bus, at Devon House, St Andrew, last Friday. Looking on is Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Denis Kingsley. - Contributed

The education minister, Andrew Holness, has endorsed the launch of the second mobile computer lab for basic school children — Tech De Bus II — describing it as an important initiative.

Tech De Bus II was launched at Devon House, St Andrew, on Friday.

The equipped mobile unit was donated by Canada's Project for Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE).

Computer access

Holness indicated that Jamaica lacks access and the availability of resources to maximise on its potential in the computer arena.

"In terms of Internet and PC penetration, we are very low, especially in some of our schools," he said, "so this project is of particular importance to me."

Holness has promoted the concept of new media as an educational tool.

"Computers are intrinsically motivating to young children, as they contribute to cognitive and social development. Computers can enhance children's self-concept and can improve their attitudes about learning," he said.

Andrea Haasc, a teacher at Top Road Basic School, Mavis Bank, St Andrew, believes the mobile bus will benefit rural students in particular.

"Having the bus will help to improve the ability of the children. Seeing that most of the rural areas don't have a lot of computers in the schools, when they have this they will be able to enter the bus and participate," she said.

Children's rights

For the last 20 years, PACE has been raising the awareness of child care and children's rights in both Canada and Jamaica with various support programmes.

Lorna King, president of PACE, likened education as a global currency.

Quoting former South African president, Nelson Mandela, she said: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."