Over 400 tablets valued at US$40,000 were recently distributed to students in Hanover and Westmoreland to help in the access to online learning, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The tablets were issued under the Cornerstone Connex Programme, which is spearheaded by the nonprofit Cornerstone Jamaica, in cooperation with Gupta Family Foundation.
During the handover ceremony at Travellers Beach Resort in Negril on Saturday, September 25, Executive Vice President of Cornerstone Jamaica, April Phinney, said students should be given every opportunity to attend classes online.
Ms. Phinney noted that it was observed that many students are isolated during the pandemic and school is their lifeline. She added that this is one of the goals for Cornerstone Connex and there the need to help connect students with their schools was an initiative that had to be undergone.
She said that 1,000 tablets valued at US$100,000 have been donated to students in Jamaica under the Cornerstone Connex Programme over the past year and a half. Phinney noted that the programme has been assisting with students’ WiFi and mobile data plans to assist with online access.
She noted that this initiative seeks to not only help students but the ripple effect will positively impact teachers and principals too and noted that Hanover and Westmoreland are currently two parishes that will hopefully see this positive effect.
