The Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada, in collaboration with its various partners, has strengthened its commitment to the development of the Early Childhood sector of Jamaica through the donation of 1,500 OneTab tablets. These devices, valued at over USD 88,400 (approximately JMD 14 Million), were handed over during a ceremony, which was held today at 11:00 a.m., at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School.
The initiative, executed in partnership with the National Education Trust (NET), aims to enhance the learning experience for young children aged 3 to 5 years across 340 Early Childhood Institutions (ECIs) island wide. The tablets are equipped with age-appropriate software designed to foster early literacy and numeracy skills, offering children access to cutting-edge educational tools that promote creativity and digital engagement.
Speaking at the event, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, Executive Director of the National Education Trust, emphasised the power of partnerships in driving transformative change. “This initiative exemplifies the power of a committed village investing in our children’s future. The collaboration between PACE Canada, NET and our partners underscores that together, we can create sustainable opportunities for early learning and development.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth & Information, who lauded the enduring partnership between PACE Canada and educational institutions in Jamaica. Mrs. Diana Burke, President of PACE Canada, expressed her organisation’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of childhood education in Jamaica.
Tanketa Chance-Wilson, CEO of the Barita Foundation, praised the alignment of this initiative with her organisation’s core values. “At the Barita Foundation, we believe in investing in education as a vehicle for social transformation. Initiatives like this exemplify our mission to empower communities and provide equitable access to resources that nurture potential and inspire excellence.”
Founded over 34 years ago, PACE Canada is a registered charitable foundation with a mission to support Early Childhood Institutions in Jamaica. In its first phase, PACE Canada donated 923 OneTab tablets, benefitting over 200 ECIs to the “One Laptop or tablet per Child Initiative”, which was launched in November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to bridge the digital divide and empower children with the tools necessary for their educational journey. This second phase marks another significant milestone, expanding the initiative’s reach and impact.
Shelly-Ann Webber, Acting Principal at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School, highlighted the impact these devices will have on students. “These tablets are game-changers for our children, many of whom do not have access to technology at home. This donation will allow us to create a more interactive and inclusive learning environment, giving our students the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital age.”
The donation was made possible through the invaluable support of PACE Canada’s partners, including the Barita Foundation, VM Foundation, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, JPS Foundation, Digicel Foundation, Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, Author Marjorie Straw, among others. These partnerships underscore the collective effort to improve the Early Childhood Sector in Jamaica and to equip the nation’s youngest learners for a brighter future.
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