J$3-million worth of equipment handed over this time around

The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA), an umbrella group out of New York, has sent yet another shipment of laptop and tablet devices to their schools in Jamaica.

This latest shipment, which is valued at J$3 million complements the J$11-million worth of equipment sent last week, putting the total donation so far to J$J14 million. This second order will be followed with subsequent orders.

Thereafter there will be a pause in the Laptop-N-Tablet programme, created by the UJAA in support of addressing the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the local education system in relation to teaching and learning remotely. This pause is necessary as Project Leader Donovan Wilson is to carry out an evaluation of the entire process.  

Wilson explained that “over 500 devices have already been shipped and additional orders are currently being placed as long as the alumni members’ schools have the need”.

In commenting on the latest shipment, Lesleyann Samuel, president of the umbrella organization, pointed to the necessity at this time in Jamaica’s education system for laptops, tablets, and iPads, which she said are now essential tools for teaching and learning, whether in the classroom or remotely.  

She remarked that the member associations are intent on filling that need for their schools.

According to Samuel, “as early as in July 2020, the UJAA Board began looking at ways to assist schools and students with devices to help them with remote learning”.

She reported that the 61-member umbrella organisation began “discussions and negotiations with the leading computer technology providers as well as conversations with member alumni association presidents who were having their own conversations with their principals”.

With a commitment from several members and negotiations with Dell and Best Buy, the first order was placed and a benefit agreement was made with members, giving birth to the Laptop-N-Tablet programme.

Reacting to the donation, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks said “such selfless act of giving back to their respective alma mater has not gone unnoticed”.

She added that the Government, as well as the people of Jamaica – both those at home and in the diaspora – have appreciated this helping hand.