BVI gifted 1000 Chromebooks in less than 1000 days since 2017 hurricanes

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The Ministry of Education has now received more than 1,000 Chromebook devices in less than 1,000 days since the territory was impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley made that statement during a recent ceremony to hand over 135 Chromebooks to the ministry, from Unite BVI.

“They stepped in after the storms of 2017 and now with COVID-19 has stepped up again and has provided us a total of 1,067 Chromebooks in less than 1,000 days,” he said.

Devices to assist with CSEC exams

While thanking Unite BVI for their donation, Wheatley said that children in the BVI are certainly worth the investment.

He said the donation will also facilitate the territory in conducting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination virtually, which officially commenced in the region on Monday.

“This has allowed us to have after the storms of 2017 and during COVID-19, continuity in our education system. It allowed us to be able to have our CSEC exams for instance fully online which is amazing, I believe we were one of the only jurisdictions to be able to do that,” he stated.

Training also was provided for Chromebooks

In addition to the ministry receiving the Chromebooks, Dr Wheatley said parties who received the devices were trained how to use them.

“Many teachers did not have the skills really to use the Chromebooks, and not only were these Chromebooks donated, but training was provided for the teachers, training was provided for the students, and so now we have the tools to be able to execute this technology programme and to enhance teaching and learning,” he explained.

Details of all donors

The 1,065 Chromebooks were collectively donated by the Jarecki Family & The Guana Fund who provided 100, the McLain Association for Children Inc (MAC) Foundation with 200, the Bitter End Yacht Club contributed 367, while Unite BVI provided a total of 400 Chromebooks.