Category: Digicel

Digicel Foundation signs three MOUs to empower education institutions

Gathered to serve the needs of the students of Bull Bay Infant and Primary School are (from left) Lanceford Grant, education officer at the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Region 2; Esther McFarlane-Smith, school principal; Jodi Bernard Kerr, board chair; Terri-Kay McKoy Holmes, academics staff rep to the board; Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation; Tanisha Miller, acting on behalf of the executive director of the Early Childhood Commission; Karlene DeGrasse Deslandes and Yashieka Blackwood-Grant, acting director of Regional Educational Services, Region 2 and two students (front row) after signing a memorandum of understanding for the renovation of the infant section of the St Thomas-based institution.

DIGICEL FOUNDATION has signed three groundbreaking memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to transform the educational landscape in Jamaica by supporting three prominent institutions in their quest for excellence and inclusivity.

RENOVATION OF THE HOPE VALLEY EXPERIMENTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE, ST ANDREW

The first MOU heralds a transformative chapter for the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Centre in St Andrew. The Digicel Foundation is committed to funding the renovation of the school’s special education unit, ensuring it become a beacon of inclusive education for children with special needs.

As part of the scope of works, Digicel Foundation will be renovating the classrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen area, fixing a leaking roof and revamping the outside play area.

Christina Addington, education officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Special Education Unit expressed gratitude to Digicel Foundation for its continued support in education. She said, “We really have to say thank you because the work that is being done is needed. The ministry does not always have the money to get what is needed to be done, so we really are appreciative of what is to come, and we know what has been done in the past. A big thank you to Digicel Foundation.”

ESTABLISHMENT OF A SMART ROOM AT THE MORANT BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ST THOMAS

Digicel Foundation has collaborated with Morant Bay Primary School in St Thomas to establish a smart room to facilitate digital literacy and technological advancement for the students. This initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering the future leaders of Jamaica.

Morant Bay Primary’s Smart Room will be outfitted with 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a smart board, and a printer. A smart lock with also be installed for safety.

RENOVATION OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTION AT THE BULL BAY INFANT AND PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ST THOMAS

Digicel Foundation will be renovating Bull Bay Infant and Primary School in St Thomas. The project is designed to assist the school in meeting the certification standards set by the Early Childhood Commission, ensuring that young learners receive the best possible start to their educational journey.

Jodi Bernard Kerr, board chair at Bull Bay Infant and Primary, said, “We are happy to see this investment being made for our children at the early childhood level. It is truly important that we get this certification as the development of the young minds at the school can only get better from here.”

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation, shared, “We believe in the transformative power of education and are honoured to partner with these institutions. We are excited to contribute to the growth and development of these schools, ensuring that they provide the best educational experience for their students.”

The signing ceremonies took place on October 21, marking the beginning of a journey towards improved educational facilities and opportunities for students in these communities.

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner; https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20231027/digicel-foundation-signs-three-mous-empower-education-institutions

Terri-Karelle Reid, Digicel Foundation join in Braille machine drive

Dr Terri-Karelle Reid (right) with Alteria Bent, a student of the Salvation Army School for the Blind on the Braille machine.

In honour of Blind Awareness Month this October, Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, a media and communications practioner, is collaborating with the Digicel Foundation to launch a campaign aimed at enhancing the educational opportunities for blind and visually impaired students in Jamaica.

The campaign, titled “Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille,” focuses on addressing the critical shortage of Braille machines at the Salvation Army School for the Blind – Jamaica’s sole school for blind and visually impaired students. Presently, only 26 Braille machines are available to serve over 130 enrolled students.

Dr Reid stated, “While we as a society discuss the importance of literacy and numeracy, we often overlook entire communities with special needs that require specialized resources to achieve literacy. Every child, whether blind or otherwise, must have access to equitable education. We are committed to ensuring that no one gets left behind.”

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, commenting on the partnership with Dr Reid said: “Every child has a fundamental right to quality education. We must uphold this right for our blind and visually impaired students as well. We aim to bridge the gap and empower these students with the tools they need to succeed.”

Together, Dr Reid and the Digicel Foundation hope to obtain funding from corporate Jamaica to purchase more Braille machines for the School for the Blind.

“Our goal is to provide 50 Braille machines to the school. Every donation, regardless of size, brings us closer to our objective. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these extraordinary young individuals,” said Daniels.

Source: Jamaica Loop News https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/terri-karelle-reid-digicel-foundation-join-braille-machine-drive

Digicel Foundation and Early Childhood Commission Handover Inclusive Classroom to St. Thomas School

Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, speaks during the handover ceremony for an inclusive classroom at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas on Tuesday (September 19). The facility’s construction stemmed from a partnership between the Foundation and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

Students with mild to moderate physical and intellectual disabilities at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas now have an inclusive classroom to further support their educational journey.

‘The facility, which was handed over by the Digicel Foundation on Tuesday (September 19), stemmed from a partnership with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the school, Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, informed that the room will cater to children aged three to six.

“Within the classroom, you will find a state-of-the-art sensory room, which includes panel mats, sensory lights, fibre-optic bean bags, a fibre-optic curtain kit, LED strip lights and noise-cancelling earphones,” she detailed.

Additionally, Mrs. Lowrie-Chin disclosed that the existing bathroom for the students has been retrofitted, a raft has been constructed, and a “bright and fun” outdoor play area has been renovated.

“The purpose of the classroom is at the heart of everything we do at the Digicel Foundation to promote inclusiveness. It means that no one is left behind; it means togetherness, including the little ones with special needs who need to feel loved and secure in their school environment,” the Chair said.

For her part, ECC Chair, Trisha Williams-Singh, applauded the Digicel Foundation for having “changed the landscape in Jamaica for special needs”.

“The Early Childhood Commission would like to thank you so much, and we encourage you to not only do more but I use this platform to ask other corporate Jamaica [stakeholders] to come on board,” she said.

Chair, Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Trisha Williams-Singh, speaks during the handover of an inclusive classroom at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas on Tuesday (September 19). The facility stemmed from a partnership between the Digicel Foundation and the ECC.

Acting Regional Director (Region 2) at the Ministry of Education and Youth, Yashieka Blackwood-Grant, speaking on behalf of Acting Permanent Secretary, Maureen Dwyer, similarly hailed the Digicel Foundation for “rising to the occasion, especially when special education needs are in the conversation”.

“We commit, every time we receive a gift, to taking the best care of it because we receive it as an investment. We know that there are countless children who must benefit from this investment, and so… this investment is going to bring returns for years to come,” Mrs. Blackwood-Grant said.

This is the second inclusive classroom to be established under the ECC’s Jamaica 60 Legacy Project.

The first was established at the Bethabara Infant School in Manchester.

Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin (left), and Chair, Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Trisha Williams-Singh (second left), enjoy play time with students at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas, Amanda McKay (third left) and Travon Shaw, inside a new inclusive classroom at the institution. The space was handed over on Tuesday (September 19).

Source: Jamaica Information Service https://jis.gov.jm/features/digicel-foundation-and-early-childhood-commission-handover-inclusive-classroom-to-st-thomas-school/

Environmental sustainability begins with you

Beach clean-ups are one of the ways we can positively impact the environment.

Dear Editor,

Our natural environment is facing unprecedented threats. Phenomena such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution threaten the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

More than ever the importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. It is our moral responsibility to protect and preserve our fragile ecosystems. While large-scale initiatives and policy changes are vital, it’s essential to recognise that everyday actions can collectively create significant change.

Here are a few ways we can each play our part in ending environmental neglect:

*Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reducing, reusing, and recycling can be one of the most effective ways we can save natural resources, protect the environment, and save money. One way to reduce is to reuse. Instead of using plastic bags, bring reusable bags when shopping or packing food. Recently, the Digicel Foundation, under its environmental campaign called Good Energy, Clean Environment, revamped its staff initiative to collect and recycle plastic bottles. You too can reduce plastic and waste by improving recycling habits at home, school, and work.

*Conserve energy: There are small habits in our daily lives that can help to conserve energy. These acts include turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.

Earlier this year, the Government began the phasing out of the importation, export, manufacture, distribution, and sale or purchase of incandescent light bulbs. Jamaicans will soon have to switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The switch to more energy-efficient bulbs can significantly lower electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

*Beach clean-ups: Digicel Foundation’s annual beach clean-ups on International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, which will be celebrated on September 16 this year, are not just about removing debris from shorelines, they are symbolic acts of care for our oceans and a reminder of the urgent need to reduce our plastic consumption. These clean-ups educate volunteers to reduce single-use plastics, promote responsible waste disposal, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems. Persons can visit the Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) website to learn how they can participate in ICC Day.

*Educate yourself and others: I cannot stress enough the importance of staying informed about environmental issues, sharing your knowledge with friends and family, encouraging conversations about sustainability, and advocating for informed decisions.

Simple, everyday actions can create a more sustainable world. Ultimately, these actions will not only improve the environment but also inspire others to join in the effort, leading to a brighter and greener future for all.

Miguel “Steppa” Williams

Director of strategic planning and community development

Digicel Jamaica Foundation

Source: The Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/letters/environmental-sustainability-begins-with-you/

Children gain robotics skills at Digicel Foundation’s summer camp

Nichoy Moses displays a VEX IQ robot he helped to build at the Digicel Foundation-sponsored iRobots summer camp held recently.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Over 30 children at the primary level learned about robots and coding, as well as teamwork and creative problem-solving, at a recently held robotics summer camp.

The camp was organised in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, KRW Tronics and Jamaica Theological Seminary.

Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development at the Digicel Foundation, Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams shared that the camp has served as a launching point for young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) careers.

He said, “The camp offers hands-on experience in robotics technology and equips them with the necessary tools to inspire the next generation of young inventors, scientists, and engineers. The children were introduced to the exciting world of robotics, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.”

Robotics camp instructor, Jerome Morrison, shared that the camp’s curriculum was expertly crafted to provide a hands-on and interactive learning environment.

“The children learned about the VEX IQ robot and how to programme it from a device. They also used the Scratch platform to build their own game. Most of the tasks given were completed collaboratively to help build team-building skills. Overall they showed high levels of interest in robotics,” said Morrison.

Morrison explained the importance of teaching children robotics skills from an early age. He noted, “We live in a much-computerised era now. They call this era the 4th industrial revolution which also involves STEAM education. Therefore, it is good for students to learn about these skills from a young age because, in the future, robots are going to be very common, almost as common as the laptop and smart devices that we use on a daily basis. It will be very beneficial to the children to learn about robots from now so it doesn’t become strange to them and as they grow, they will have an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills they developed from that young age.”

For 10-year-old Kiszey-Anna Clarke, the robotics camp allowed her to meet and interact with other kids. “I gained a lot of new friends who have similar interests as me. We can operate robots as a team and we learned a lot together.,” she said.

Meanwhile, for Nichoy Moses, a nine-year-old budding scientist, the robotics camp provided him with an opportunity to explore new skills. He said, “I learned a lot of things for the first time such as programming. I really enjoyed assembling the robot and making it move and do things at our command.”

Source: Jamaica Observer | https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latest-news/children-gain-robotics-skills-at-digicel-foundations-summer-camp/

Corporate Hands | Digicel Foundation donates school supplies to special-needs students

Pearnel Charles Jr (third right, front row), Minister of Labour and Social Security; Jeneard Williamson (third left, front row), Digicel education and special-needs project officer; and Antonica Gunter-Gayle (right, back row), Early Stimulation Programme director, are joined by students of Stimulation Plus Child Development Centre and their parents. The occasion was a handover ceremony for school supplies donated by Digicel Foundation on Monday.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230824/corporate-hands-digicel-foundation-donates-school-supplies-special-needs

Digicel Foundation donates STEM kits to Spanish Town High

The Digicel Foundation is helping to improve students’ performances in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas with the donation of equipment and educational material to boost the Spanish Town High School’s science lab and STEM programme.

The donation was made possible through a $3,000,000 partnership between the Digicel Foundation and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Building Out Our STEM Teachers (BOOST) programme.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held recently, Dr Andre Coy, associate dean for external engagement in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the UWI, Mona, shared that the STEM kits will equip students with the tools and resources necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of science and technology.

Dr Coy said, “We get the best STEM teachers and we put them in schools that want to do STEM but don’t necessarily have the resources to do so. They don’t have the number of teachers they need and they don’t have the equipment they need. The BOOST programme is aimed at nurturing these schools.”

EQUIPMENT

The donated equipment includes advanced robotics kits, scientific laboratory apparatus, computer programming tools, and interactive learning materials.

According to Dr Coy, Digicel Foundation’s investment will contribute to the purchasing of STEM equipment benefiting participating BOOST schools across Jamaica. He said, “We recognised we needed a partner to help us with equipping the science labs and the Digicel Foundation did not hesitate. Once they heard STEM, they said yes.”

Acting Principal of Spanish Town High, Leopold Porter, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasising the transformative effect it will have on the students and the community. “Thank you so much for coming to Spanish Town High and for seeing a need and filling that need. This is where the village, the community, the businesses and institutions make a marked difference in their lives. That out of this kind gesture, even more interest in will be taken in their academics in STEM and they will be the better for it, Spanish Town as a community will be better for it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shadae Smith, the science teacher at Spanish Town High School, described her experience teaching science as ‘life-changing’. “I have learned to be patient and how I can use little and stretch it to be so much. I have been nurturing the minds of young scientists while also growing and developing the passion and love I have for STEM.”

Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, director of strategic planning and community development at the Digicel Foundation, said the equipment donation represents Digicel Foundation’s unwavering commitment to promoting equitable access to quality STEM education.

“STEM is something that is core in what we invest in. It’s good to invest in this level at the tertiary level, hitting the high school level, while we continue to work with the primary age, and continue to work across the community-based organisations.”

The UWI BOOST programme was conceptualised by the Faculty of Science and Technology to enhance STEM education in Jamaica by providing a continuous stream of quality science and mathematics teachers through an innovative ‘back-end’ incentivised scholarship scheme.

The programme is being executed in collaboration with the National Baking Company Foundation, the Faculty of Humanities and Education, the Office of Student Financing, The Mico University College, the Students’ Loan Bureau, the Jamaica Teaching Council, the National Education Inspectorate, the American Friends of Jamaica, NCB Foundation and Chemical, Medical and Scientific Supplies Limited.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner | Digicel Foundation donates STEM kits to Spanish Town High

Hero CPL teams to select their lineups

Gros Islet, St Lucia. 6 February 2018

The draft for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League will take place on 1st March. This will be when the teams will select their lineups for the sixth edition of the tournament which will take place between 8th August and 16th September this year.

As ever, the Hero CPL will have the best cricketers taking part in the tournament, from around the world as well as from across the Caribbean. The window for this year’s event means that there are no West Indies fixtures that clash with the Hero CPL so the very best West Indian players will be available for selection.

This year the draft will take place in London, which is a reflection of the global nature of the tournament. With owners and sponsors from around the world investing in the Hero CPL and the Caribbean as a whole having the draft in London helps from a logistics point of view and helps sell the region to a global audience.

Speaking about the upcoming draft Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero CPL, said: “Our draft is such an important date in the Hero CPL calendar. It is when we get to find out who will be coming to join the Biggest Party in Sport. We know that the quality of players that we have coming to this year’s tournament will generate a huge amount of excitement.

“While the Hero CPL is about bringing the Carnival atmosphere to cricket, the quality of the sport on display is just as important. The world-class cricketers that will be selected on 1st March are what make the cricket at Hero CPL so special.”

 

ABOUT THE HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE:

First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. Combining broadcast and digital viewership over 197 million fans watched the 2017 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket. This year’s tournament takes place between 8th August and 16th September 2018. Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Stars and Jamaica Tallawahs. For further information visit www.cplt20.com.

Digicel Foundation Boosts Gregory Park Youth Group

The Forward Step Foundation is striving to make a difference in the municipality of Portmore, St Catherine.

Founded ten years ago by Gregory Park resident Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, the foundation is now benefiting from the support of the Digicel Foundation, which provided a grant of US$1.2 million over two years to expand its work in social enterprise development through the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme.

The funding has already assisted the Forward Step Foundation in building its own headquarters and reducing overhead costs.

The funds provided through Digicel Foundation have also enabled Forward Step to move ahead with its media training programme, and to purchase the necessary equipment for a recording studio and digital editing programme. The Forward Step Foundation, which hosts its own lively YouTube channel, Di Streetz TV, focuses on the arts and culture as keys to development.

Training is already taking place in several other areas, including carpentry and landscaping while workshops on television- presenting and graphic design are planned. An important aspect of the foundation’s work is teaching life skills at training workshops including sessions relating to building self-esteem, confidence and teamwork.

With these funds, the Forward Step Foundation aims to boost its crafts and manufacturing training programmes. The new training will directly impact more than 50 young people age 14 to 30 years old, and involve about 500 other community members.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Hero CPL and Republic Bank team up with University of West Indies for internship scheme

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be partnering with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and Republic Bank for an internship scheme that will extend the opportunity for students from the Academy of Sport Cave Hill to intern with the Hero CPL during the tournament that will run from August 4 to September 9 2017.

The students will have the opportunity to experience on the ground training in sports management as they work with the assigned CPL team members in varying departments.

The select students will have the opportunity to travel with team members and work at the finals based on performance. As part of this partnership the Hero CPL will also provide access to team members who can facilitate sessions with the selected students on areas ranging from commercial rights to sponsorship activations. Selection for this programme is now complete and the four successful students are Joel Manning and Kyle Hinkson who will work with the social media and communications team and Shernell Charley and Rohansonn Waithe work along side the Hero CPL sponsorship department.

The successful candidates will be provided with travel, accommodation, a per diem to cover their expenses and a certificate of participation which will aide them in their future career. Dr Tara Wilkinson-McClean, Sponsorship Manager for Hero CPL said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for UWI students to gain valuable experience and contacts working at the biggest sporting event in the Caribbean. The Hero CPL is fully committed to helping to develop sports management skills across the region and we are really looking forward to welcoming these talented students into our team.”

“Like the Hero CPL team, Republic Bank is proud to be associated with developmental opportunities for young Caribbean people. This tournament provides opportunities for exposure to a myriad of disciplines critical to the success not only sports, but business in general and compliments our Power to Make a Difference programme, one of the basic tenets of which is the power to succeed,” said Debbie Stoute, Manager Marketing & Corporate Communications.

Mrs. Amanda Reifer, Head, Academy of Sport, Cave Hill Campus stated: “The Academy of Sport Cave Hill is extremely pleased to partner with Hero CPL to facilitate internship opportunities for our students in our sports programmes. Students will be able to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a practical and meaningful way, at an international level.

“We look forward to working with Hero CPL in the future to expand these internship opportunities to students not only at the Cave Hill Campus but across all of the UWI campuses. This initiative is timely as UWI launches the Faculty of Sport; a clear demonstration of UWI’s commitment to the further development of sport in the region. Thus, a partnership such as this aligns perfectly.”Joel Manning (intern), Dr. Tara Wilkinson-McClean (CPL Sponsorship Manager), Kyle Hinckson (intern), Debbie Stoute (Manager Marketing & Corporate Communications with Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited) Rohansonn Waithe (intern), Amanda Reifer (Head, Academy of Sport, University of the West Indies Cavehill)