Young people from nine new communities will have access to free information technology services courtesy of the Digicel Foundation.
The Digicel Foundation spent over $750,000 to equip Technology in Education Centres in panyards across the country.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Penny Gomez, says the company plans to expand the programme.
“There are a few hundred steelbands, and I am not saying anything, but we will put out a call for applications. Our financial year begins in April. People can look for the application forms on social media. We will publicise it, and we have plans to do ten more in the next financial year.”
Former Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South, Keith Scotland, says he is eager for all of the pan theatres in his region to be equipped by the Foundation.
“There is an integrity and they have a robust process, which I am warm to because it means then that you can have transparency. So my phone call didn’t do it, you know. Tokyo had to come and we lifted them from their bootstraps, and they were able to qualify. They didn’t qualify last cohort, but they’ve qualified now. So it’s invaluable.”
Meanwhile, captain of the Desperadoes Youth Steel Orchestra, Jeremiah Wyllie, shares the excitement of the seventy members of the orchestra.
“I think all the children could benefit from the computers and stuff. Well, for me, like compared to when I’m home and compared to when I come and use the computers here, I would be more focused here because at home I have plenty of distractions and stuff. So here is like a better space for me.”
Digicel has outfitted 19 centres as part of its Technology in Education initiative.
Ms. Gomez notes that the Foundation is focused on equipping spaces in rural areas as well as urban centres.