The Woodlawn School of Special Education has been equipped by the NCB Foundation with a new digital lab, comprising desktop computers, software, learning aids and an ambient décor which promotes learning.

With this new technology, students will be assisted with recovering lost ground resulting from disruptions to their academic programme due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The implementation of the digital lab will allow for us to bring some of the children up to speed when it comes to experience with technology, and improved digital literacy,” said Racquel Rhoden South, principal of Woodlawn.

“Although we had started to incorporate information technology in delivering education, not everyone had access, and not everyone was able to receive the individualised attention they deserved during the lock down period when lessons had to be delivered on line. We will now be better able to facilitate computer learning and prepare students, should we have to return to teaching exclusively online.”

EMPLOYEES RALLIED FROM ACROSS ISLAND

As part of its digital education focus, the NCB Foundation identified Woodlawn, located in Mandeville, Manchester as one of its national Labour Day projects, and rallied employees from across the island, including the NCB Mandeville branch to help. As dusk fell, the more than 40 members of the NCB Foundation volunteer corps were pleased with the work of their hands.

The digital lab had been set up, a garden beautified, areas cleaned, and walls painted. Eager to lend a hand, the children also helped, especially with the outdoor work.

“In keeping with the tenets of our purpose to empower people and build communities, we believe this donation of digital assets and volunteering at the schools is contributing to nation building,” said Nadeen Matthews Blair, CEO of the NCB Foundation.

“Creating the digital spaces will enhance the learning experiences of the students and wards in alignment with the Foundation’s new focus on digital education to equip Jamaicans with globally relevant and in-demand digital skills.” 

Rhoden South was overjoyed with the digital lab, expressed effusively in her broader vision for the school: “My dream is to see the children from our school achieve with ease, the same things that children within the general population access without restrictions.”

Woodlawn serves more than 100 students across two locations, with the larger facility located in Mandeville and a learning centre located in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth.

Rhoden South hopes to expand the facility in order to assist more students.

“Collaboration is essential to keeping schools like Woodlawn in operation. As the only school that caters specifically to children with intellectual disabilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, parents rely on us heavily. We want to be equipped to serve as many children as possible in this region,” Rhoden South said. 

The teachers at Woodlawn are excited about the expanded learning opportunities and outcomes which will result from having the new digital lab.

“Each teacher has a passion not just for education but for the education of those who are differently abled. It lights us up, and we are pleased that NCB Foundation has ignited us to take our children further,” Rhoden South said.