A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release explained that Vice-Chairman, Guyana Chapter, Global Partnership for Literacy (Global Literacy) Conrad Plummer said SchoolNet Guyana aims to introduce information technology to 120 secondary schools to boost computer literacy in the country. He said the generous donation from Scotiabank coincides with government’s plan to ensure that all schools become technologically advanced and benefits will be seen over the long-term.
Scotiabank Manager for Products and Marketing Jennifer Cipriani explained that the Bank’s contribution was made possible through its ‘Bright Future Programme,’ which caters for initiatives that will further develop the country and young people.
She said Scotiabank recognises that computer literacy is essential and that is the basis for its partnership with Global Literacy. The Bank intends to help furnish computer laboratories at schools countrywide.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Global Literacy Danny Doobay expressed gratitude to Scotiabank for the “significant” donation as it will accelerate implementation of the project. Doobay explained that the computers will facilitate the establishment of three IT laboratories in three schools. An IT lab is often furnished with an average of 30 computers.
Software Engineer for Global Literacy Varman Cholan said the organisation is currently setting up a testing programme for the national student management software, which was created by Global Literacy to be implemented in all schools.
He said the software will be distributed to eight selected schools later this year and will be used to manage students’ schedules, attendance and grades and will allow the ministry to access this information at any time.
According to GINA, Global Literacy is a Canadian Non-Profit Organisation with a mission to bring ICT to schools in Guyana. In pursuit of this objective, it seeks to develop innovative partnerships with a variety of non-governmental, business and social organisations and particularly organisations which share the vision of Global Literacy.
The pilot project is being implemented in five schools: the Diamond Secondary School, Region Four, Bygeval Multilateral School and Beterverwagting Secondary School, Region Five and Patentia Secondary School and Parika Secondary School, Region Three.
The pilot on SchoolNet Guyana was launched on January 29 at the Diamond Secondary School.
Recently the JC Chandisingh Secondary School Alumni Associa-tion in collaboration with Proprietor of Metro Office Supplies Ron Ramnarayan donated 25 internet-ready computers to the J.C. Chandisingh School in support of the ministry’s Education Strategic Plan (ESP) which caters for all secondary schools to be furnished with IT labs by 2013.
