As part of an ongoing programme to help school children become computer literate, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT & T) company has officially presented Uitvlugt Primary School on the West Coast Demerara with two Dell computers.
The presentation took place on January 19.
Marketing and Sales Director of GT & T, Michael George said his company is committed to helping children become equipped for the future, disclosing that the programme, which began in Georgetown, is now being expanded in the rural communities, as it is the intention of the company to help schools nationwide.
George also assured that the computers will be hooked up to the Internet and this will be totally funded by GT & T.
However, he urged that the students be given full access to the use of the equipment because the intention of his company is to help develop computer literacy among the nation's children.
Headmaster of the school, Omdat Singh expressed his appreciation for the kind gesture by the local phone company.
He noted that the newly built school has a library and the acquisition of the computers is an additional boost in supporting research by both teachers and students.
Singh is hoping that the Ministry of Education would be able to avail a trained computer person to train teachers and students in the use of the equipment.
He also disclosed that since the school opened its doors last September enrollment has increased dramatically from 200 students to nearly 400 presently, as such he opined that soon there might be a need for extending the building, adding that in view of the larger enrollment at the school it should be upgraded from its present Grade D status.
President of the school's Parent/Teachers" Association (PTA), and former national volleyball player Frank Carew expressed gratitude to GT & T for its donation but made an appeal for an additional donation of a printer.
He noted that the school is operating satisfactorily, but some issues need to be addressed including the dust from the roadway leading into the school and thick bushes enveloping the surroundings of the school. He reported that Uitvlugt/Leonora Estate has done some work on the road as promised and Central Government has promised to do additional work. As regards the bushes Carew said efforts to obtain a spraying can through the Ministry of Education has so far been unsuccessful.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar said he was particularly pleased about the gesture by GT & T and showered praise on the Chief Executive Officer of the phone company, Ms. Sonita Jagan whom he described as a person who upholds her promises and "gets things done."
Caesar also expressed optimism that the computers would be used by students to link up to the information "highway" to enhance their knowledge of local and international affairs.
Uitvlugt Primary School originated in 1872 when it was started by the St. Luke's Church, as the Church of Scotland School. In 1978 when dual control of schools was brought to end it was re-gazetted as Uitvlugt Primary School.
However, under the Secondary Schools Reform Project the building on the original location was rehabilitated to house the Uitvlugt Secondary School, consequently, the building became overcrowded. As a result the present new $21M building was constructed by Central Government. (Chamanlall Naipaul)