ROTARY CLUB OF ANTIGUA

The service organisations on Monday handed over 40 laptops, laptop carts and fire extinguishers to the Ministry of Education for distributionto schools across the island, an extension of their Computer for the World project.
 

During a ceremony at Rotary House on Monday, Minister Winston Williams expressed appreciation for the gifts. “For the many things that you (Rotary) have done, you have certainly changed lives. Service above self is not just a watch word but a way of life and you have proven that time and again. The government wholeheartedly thanks you for your service,” Minister Williams said.
 

Information Technology Officer within theMinistry of Education Stacey Mascall said her department is pleased to be affiliated with the Rotary Club of Antigua and Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, adding that as a result of the partnership and the level of interest displayed by the two clubs, the children of Antigua and Barbuda stand to benefit, particularly in the area of information technology.
 

“We have seen the results. Sometimes the shortage we have of computers does not give the students a chance to do Information Technology.
 

But now, 90 per cent plus students are able to negotiate. Information Technology and EDPM at the fourth-and-fifth form level. This is something we celebrate,” Mascall said."
 

The Computer for the World project began in Antigua in 2007, and has since expanded to include dictionaries, a chess programme and now laptops, laptop carts and fire extinguishers.

According to Rotary Club of Antigua past President Cordel Josiah, with support from the Mill Reef Club, over the years, 1,500 desktop computers have been distributed in schools’ IT laboratories and 7,500 dictionaries given to students and school libraries, in addition to video conferencing facilities for Antigua State College.
 

Students from Newport High School in Belleview Washington have accompanied the visiting

Rotarians. They will assist Technical Director Jeff Mason in the installation and networking of the donated computers in the various school labs. Project Manager John Martinka said approximately US$ 150,000 is spent each year on the donated equipment. He said the rewarding aspect is to hear of the successes of the students who would have used the computers and other materials donated for their personal growth and development.