Tag: digital literacy

Digicel Foundation impacts thousands of students with SIT programme

Kavelle Hylton, Digicel Foundation SIT programme partner and CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub, engages students at the Jessie Ripoll Primary School in interactive discussions on online safety.

The Digicel Foundation’s Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme has already impacted more than 5,000 students across Jamaica, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Launched on Safer Internet Day in February, the programme is now in its fifth week and has visited 20 primary and high schools, with a goal of reaching 150 schools by year-end. Kavelle Hylton, CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub, who partners with Digicel Foundation to deliver the interactive lessons, highlighted the programme’s impact: “Technology is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. Through the SIT programme, we are empowering not just students, but also parents, teachers, and community members with the skills they need to stay safe online.”

A dedicated volunteer team of nearly 200 Digicel employees, known as the SIT Squad, has been mobilised to support the initiative.Mona Heights Primary School Principal Alex Hepburn is among those commending Digicel Foundation for the initiative.

“The SIT programme has been invaluable in helping our students understand online safety. We want them to understand that there are certain nuisances in the online space and therefore it is very important to teach them how to navigate it responsibly,” said Hepburn.In the meantime St Jude’s Primary School Principal Susanna Ainsworth also expressed support for the programme.

“This initiative has empowered our students and staff to promote online safety, digital responsibility, and cyber awareness. We are thankful for the Digicel Foundation for its dedication to creating a safer online environment for our school community,” said Ainsworth.

The SIT programme is a holistic awareness and educational campaign that goes beyond the classroom.

In addition to engaging students, the initiative includes sessions for parents and teachers, helping them understand online risks and how to guide children in safe internet usage.

It also extends to business owners, service group members and the elderly, ensuring that digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness reach all generations.

The success of the SIT programme to date can be attributed in large part to the support of its partners, including Jamaica Public Service Company, Sunshine Snacks, Kool 97FM, and Macmillan Education.

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