Two community groups in Rose Town, Kingston, have joined forces to help students who do not have access to electronic devices for the academic year.
The groups which are the Rose Town Holiness Christian Church and the Rose Town Foundation for the Built Environment say the challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak cuts deep for those children living in these communities and they are calling on other groups to help students stuck because of the digital divide, to cross over.
The Annual Evening of Excellence Event which showcases the talent in the community through music, drama and dance will be the source through which the groups try to raise the funds for the children.
Pastor Joseph DaCosta explains the unusual format that the event will take due to COVID-19, online.
“Evening of Excellence that is slated for November 1st this year is a free online concert. And we will be seeking sponsorship so we are opening up to the Public to partner with us as we seek to raise at least a minimum of 10 tablets for these students, who without a doubt would have challenge.”
The Rose Town Foundation has also partnered with the church to select students from a batch of more than 30, who usually attend their classes.
Executive Director Ruth Jankee says children would often use this facility as their virtual classroom, to use the computers, access the internet and to just be safe.
She explains the need for more access to education especially in these communities with several social issues that at times burden families.
The groups are urging the public to donate a smart device to the children.
The Ministry of Education has been calling on the Private Sector, Clubs and Community Groups to help students with the academic school year.
CVM LIVE’s Jamaila Maitland reports:
