14 Berbice Schools get digital learning boost!
―expected to modernise education in Region 6.
DPI, Guyana, Monday, January 27, 2020
Hundreds of Region 6, East Berbice-Corentyne, students now have access to digital learning programmes. The digital learning initiative is part of the ‘ProFuturo’ project, funded by the Organization of American States (OAS).
Minister of Education, Hon. Dr Nicolette Henry who handed over the equipment to the schools on Monday said the digital learning kits were part of the provision of excellent education opportunities for all, and a move that would see students in the hinterland and more vulnerable communities receiving ICT-enabled learning.
The education ministry’s vision over the last four years been geared at eliminating illiteracy, modernising education, and strengthening tolerance.
Explaining that these new learning methods will broaden the access to modernised education, the minister said the government through the ministry would continue to provide more opportunities for students to advance and grow.
OAS Representative in Guyana Jean Ricot Dormeus described the ceremonial handing over of the electronic tablets and digital learning kits as a sod-turning activity of sorts providing digital literacy and paving the way for the next generation.
“The OAS is impacting the lives of the citizens of the Americas. Education is the twin sister of freedom, [it] acts as a great equaliser,” Dormeus said.
He added that the OAS would continue to support the government of Guyana to bring services to the most challenged communities across the country.
According to Dormeus, the digital toolkits would help transform sections of the Berbice corridor from a sugar-based economy to a knowledge-based one.
Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer (ag), Bhagmatie La Cruz, revealed that 26 per cent of primary schools in the region now benefit from the programme. This, she added, would provide students with the necessary skills to be productive and literate in an increasingly digital world.
“[This] is a good day for the advancement of ICT, specifically digital learning and a good day for international cooperation for the purpose of advancing education in our country,” La Cruz remarked.
The students now benefiting have been drawn from Cumberland Primary School, New Amsterdam Primary, Edinburgh Primary, Overwinning Primary, Lacaba Primary, Sandvoort Primary, St. Theresa’s Primary, All Saints Primary, St. Aloysius Primary, Fort Ordinance Primary, Sheet Anchor Primary, Rosehall Estate Primary, Betsy Ground Primary and Grangaram Primary School.
Earlier in January, Hosororo Primary, in Region 1 received the first batch of ProFuturo digital learning kits.