Minister Octavia Alfred handovers smart devices to primary school students in Castle Bruce

The government of Dominica on Monday distributed smart internet-enabled tablets to primary school students in Castle Bruce.

Tuesday, 26th October 2021

Minister Octavia Alfred handovers smart devices to primary school students in Castle Bruce

Castle Bruce, Dominica: The government of Dominica on Monday distributed smart internet-enabled tablets to primary school students in Castle Bruce. Minister of Education & Human Resource Development Octavia Alfred attended the ceremony, among other dignitaries. During her address at the handover ceremony, Minister Alfred stated that the government aims to assist the students in continuing their virtual learning as it is unclear when the face-to-face classes will resume in Dominica. She said the government keeps the discussions under constant review to reopen the schools. The Education Minister also called upon all teachers to exhibit different ways of making online learning more interesting for students, "We need our teachers and other educational staff more than ever before". She said the efforts of teachers would not go unnoticed. Furthermore, the Education Minister also advised teachers to get vaccinated. She also called upon the parents to get their children over twelve vaccinated against the coronavirus. [caption id="attachment_38448" align="aligncenter" width="498"]

Students receiving smart devices in Castle Bruce on Monday 25 October 2021

Students receiving smart devices in Castle Bruce, Dominica on Monday 25 October 2021[/caption] Minister Alfred said the students are more likely to come stronger after attending "online classes", "Students, take advantage of online education, do your work and learn". The Government of Dominica's official surveys revealed that over 20197 primary school students do not have any device to attend online classes. The government has acquired 2184 internet-enabled smart devices through a programme sponsored by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and over one thousand devices as part of the programme sponsored by the World Bank. The Education Minister stated that the government would acquire additional devices by the end of 2021. The government of Dominica is investing heavily in the education sector to improve the learning experience of students. A new building for Tete Morne Primary School is also finalized, and construction is expected to begin soon. The plan of Dominica Grammar School is also finalized, and Montreal Management Consultants Est (MMCE) has started the work.