Over 1100 persons benefit from OLPF distribution today

Georgetown GINA, November 26, 2013

The Government of Guyana’s One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Programme that aims to make a large percentage of the country Information Communication Technology savvy, has made an additional 1100 recipients happy. The devices were distributed today in several East Coast villages and sections of the city.

This current distribution is a part of the continuation process of the OLPF’s distribution exercise that commenced in May, and primarily targets Region Four-Demerara/Mahaica. This initiative is focused on the distribution of 6,000 laptops to recipients of the East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown.

A proud recipient displaying her laptop

Today’s exercise was carried out at several locations. At the Bethel Wesleyan Church, 271 laptops were presented to residents of Paradise, Bare Root, Melanie, and Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara. At the Life Spring Ministries, Beterverwagting, residents of Success, Vryheid’s Lust and Beterverwagting, received their laptops with a total of 395 given out.

One hundred and sixty- five (165) persons also benefited from a distribution exercise that was held at the Volunteer Youth Corps, Durban Backlands. This initiative targeted persons residing in Meadow Brook Gardens, Durban Backlands and Guyhoc Gardens/Park.

Meanwhile another exercise that was held at the Hebrew Family of Guyana, Christiani Street, North Ruimveldt saw 277 laptops being given to residents of West Ruimveldt and surrounding areas.

 

The recipients are also benefiting from a five-day training session, which commenced today at the various distribution outlets.

A trainer demonstrating the icons on the laptop during a training session

Beneficiaries of this programme expressed gratitude to the Government for this initiative. One recipient, Yashpaul Sharma said that he was grateful for the laptop and all of the other developmental initiatives that government is embarking on for the betterment of the citizens and the future generation.

Another beneficiary, Brenda Smith acknowledged that she was very pleased to receive her laptop. She said it will be easier to access information and keep track of what’s going on across the world.

Last week, the distribution exercise commenced with several city wards receiving, including Ruimveldt, Sophia and Albouystown.

 

The OLPF programme was launched in 2011, and was the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. It aims to equip 90,000 families with laptops and to expand the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT).