St. Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School in Gordon Town, St. Andrew, received a double treat on Labour Day (May 23).
The institution’s playground got a colourful makeover while the Infant Department was outfitted with an interactive panel, a charging cart and 20 tablet computers with cases and protective screens.
The initiative was coordinated by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund in partnership with the National Education Trust (NET).
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, shared that the Government is committed to providing all schools with similar equipment.
“We know technology is so important to our children, so I thank all of those entities for working with our schools to make sure that all our children have access to the best technology in education,” she said.
Acting Principal, Lorraine Campbell-Hartley, expressed gratitude to the entities, noting that the equipment will enhance the teaching and learning experience at St. Martin de Porres.
“We are [also] extremely happy for it (playground makeover) because this is an area where the children will go and play. So, giving it a facelift and beautifying it, I am sure they will be happy when they come to school on Monday,” she added.
Regional Training Officer at e-Learning Jamaica, Garfield Morrison, pointed out that the charging cart, which can power tablet and laptop computers, is a game changer that will promote efficiency.
“The devices go in and then you plug up. One power source connected to your wall, and then you’re able to charge all 20 tablets that they got… at the same time,” he indicated.
Mr. Morrison emphasised that the centralised charging solution enhances device readiness, minimises clutter, and provides secure storage when devices are not in use.
The cart is equipped with wheels, allowing for effortless movement between classrooms when needed.
Meanwhile, the school’s Board Chair, Fabian Sanchez, informed JIS News that a designated room will be renovated to accommodate the equipment for the 2025/26 academic year.
“We are in the digital age. So it is now increasingly important for students at all levels of the educational system to be exposed to what the digital age has to offer. [The equipment] certainly will go a far way in aiding their own development and learning because of the ease with which they can now use [these] to access information,” Mr. Sanchez said.
Labour Day was observed under the theme ‘Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future’, with the slogan ‘Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise’.