"WHEN YOU 'Tech De Bus' you feel transported to a magical place". That sentiment was shared by many persons who dared to enter the mobile computer lab that was donated to the Ministry of Education for use to introduce basic school children to information technology. The bus which was donated by Women for P.A.C.E. (Canada) was officially launched recently at the Discovery Basic School in St. Ann.
According to Diana Burke, president of Women for P.A.C.E. (Canada), "the computer mobile lab dubbed 'Tech De Bus' is the first of its kind in Jamaica and indeed the Caribbean and marks a new era in early childhood education in Jamaica."
The Minister of Education and Culture and guest speaker, Maxine Henry-Wilson welcomed the donation of the bus while expressing the view that "it would help to make our children technology-ready to learn new skills that in time will translate into them becoming a trainable, world-class workforce."
The bus which costs in the region of $2.5 million on Monday began visits to 18 basic schools in St. Ann after which other schools will be added to the schedule. The ten computers on board will accommodate one teacher and 20 students per session.
The bus was donated by Laidlaw Transport Company of Canada; the computers by RBC Financial Group (Royal Bank of Canada); Microsoft contributed major funding and the software as well as training for the teacher; while the Ministry of Education provided the teacher and driver. Ownership of the bus rests with the Ministry of Education while the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios will be responsible for the maintenance. The bus has its own self-sufficient power supply and air conditioning unit which allows for continuous use during training.
Maintenance of the bus will be paid for from the sale of advertising spaces on the exterior.
Women For P.A.C.E. the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (Canada) (www.pacecanada.org) is a Canadian registered charitable organisation dedicated to the care and education of children under the age of six, particularly those who experience racial, cultural or economic disadvantages. For 15 years the organisation has been "Helping Young Children Everywhere" with a special focus on Jamaica.
Women For P.A.C.E. (Canada) has amongst its accomplishments financial and educational material support for over 80 basic schools in rural Jamaica through its Adopt-A-School for a $1 a day programme; launch of a Basic School Nutritional Programme jointly with the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios and community groups; annual bursaries and scholarships to over 16 teachers studying Early Childhood Education in Jamaica and Canada; and an annual Helen Sissons Story book award to selected Canadian authors of children books representing diverse cultures.
