The coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of schools, thereby exposing the digital divide which allows some students to study remotely while others were left out. A growing number of students moved to virtual classrooms, but a lack of adequate online access made it difficult for a significant number to keep up with assignments. An issue the Education Ministry is addressing and one that alumni groups are working on in their own way.
“The primary purpose of the alumni association is to give back to the institution and recognised that there was a need at the college. Many members of the student population were not able to access the online learning environment either because they did not have the requisite devices, laptops, or tablets,” says Immediate Past President of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) Alumni Association, Webster McPherson.
An appeal for assistance was made by the College of Agriculture, Science and Education Alumni association, and funds were donated to purchase computers for students.
“The objective is to create a sustainable programme whereby students will loan those devices, those needs must be in need and will return it at a point in time so other students can continue to use it,” says President of the Alumni Association, Pius Lacan.
While lauding the Alumni association for giving back, resident of the college of agriculture, science, and education, Dr. Derrick Deslandes says it was discovered that many students did not have access to internet services nor devices for connectivity.
