Education SOS in Covid time

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Fayval Williams (centre) in discussion with chief executive officer, Universal Service Fund (USF), Daniel Dawes (left) and minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information Alando Terrelonge during the presentation of $700 million to e-Learning Jamaica by the USF for the procurement of tablet computers under the Tablets for Teachers Programme at the PCJ Auditorium in New Kingston recently. (Photo: JIS)

Lead - Observer column published Monday 22 JUNE 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

September is roaring up the path – just two months away. How ready will we be to satisfy the back-to-school demands that it will bring? In his address to the House last week, Prime Minister Andrew Holness reminded us that the new school year will come with many challenges.  Many private schools are in debt and MP Rev Ronald Thwaites appealed for Government support of private basic schools, pointing out the importance of early childhood education.

We must take steps now to ensure that Covid does not stand in the way of our children’s education. School and church communities can plan used bookfairs and assist students with scholarship applications. I understand that a movement called “Unicycle” is calling for gently used khakis, with drop off points at Campion College and Fontana Pharmacy.

Bear in mind that some families who may appear financially comfortable, may be barely finding rent after the widespread layoffs and job cuts. Let’s reassure them that there is no shame in buying used books and other thrift items.

As terrible as this Covid experience is, we must admit that it has pushed us to think digital, to co-create this ‘new Jamaica’ of which Energy, Science & Technology Minister Fayval Williams spoke in her Sectoral Presentation to the House last week.

We hope more Community Access Points (CAP) sites can be established on school compounds by the United Service Fund (USF). It is good news that thousands of laptops and tablets will be distributed for the new school year by e-Learning Jamaica, but the matter of connectivity remains a problem. 


To assist PATH and special needs students, Digicel Foundation recently handed over 1,000 tablets complete with one year of data to State Minister Alando Terrelonge and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Social Security Colette Roberts Risden. We all have to pitch in to help our students.

Minister Williams noted that the USF now has in place 309 CAP sites for internet facilities which are surprisingly underutilised. She noted, “Just putting in the computers and solar equipment (at some sites) to help with the electricity cost is necessary, but not sufficient. As MPs, you know the sites are not bursting at the seams with young people as we had hoped. This is where I will be encouraging USF, MPs, Councillors and community stakeholders to collaborate more deeply with the HOPE program and HEART to ensure the programs in the CAP sites are relevant to the young people.”