IGT Enhances Computer Technology Lab at Cotton Tree Foundation
FRIDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2021: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: International Game Technology (IGT), has reaffirmed its commitment to the Cotton Tree Foundation through a recent donation of new equipment to further enhance the learning experience of the young people within the community.
The donation made through IGT’s global philanthropic initiative, the After School Advantage Programme (ASA) equipped Cotton Tree Foundation’s computer lab with new desktop computers, webcams, headsets, and a laptop. IGT has partnered with the Cotton Tree Foundation for over eight years through its ASA Programme.
The Cotton Tree Foundation, established in 1993 in St. Ann’s, works to improve the lives of persons in surrounding communities through educational programmes. From early childhood stage to adulthood, the Foundation focuses on initiatives to build people’s skills and knowledge through life- long learning.
Ms. Allyson Hamel-Smith, Chairperson of the Cotton Tree Foundation, said, “The Cotton Tree Foundation is grateful for our continued partnership with IGT. From the inception of setting up our Information and Communications Technology (ICT) room in 2013, IGT has been very supportive of our programmes and has allowed our stakeholders to benefit from the use of donated devices. We are excited to receive this new donation from IGT, which will allow us to continue our programmes under the new normal, and we are optimistic that this will lead to new partnerships and greater service to our stakeholders.”
Mr. Roger Bolai, IGT Country Manager, said, “Cotton Tree Foundation is one of IGT’s long-standing partners through the company’s ASA Programme. We hope that this donation will equip Cotton Tree to provide vital resources that meet educational needs of children and the community. The ASA Programme’s objective is to provide young people access to technology in a safe environment, while promoting opportunities in digital learning centers.”
The Cotton Tree Foundation offers a variety of programmes to help improve the life outcomes for the residents of targeted communities, such as St. Ann’s, Cascade, Belmont, East Dry River and environs. Among the many programmes offered at Cotton Tree is the Early Childhood Care & Education Centre, which is an affordable high-quality early childhood education centre for children aged three to five. Programmes range from teaching pre-schoolers how to use a computer as well as engaging them in educational games. The IGT donated equipment has also allowed the older children to do research for school projects and develop their computer skills.
The most recent programme completed was the Service-Learning Programme (SLP). The SLP has two components: developmental screening of preschool students to determine their skills and adjustment as they start more formal school; and psychoeducational evaluations of school-age children who have been referred.
IGT’s donation of computer equipment has enabled the facilitation of sessions such as, The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS) program which helps students develop phonemic awareness, by allowing them to identify and sequence sounds within words, and to become self-correcting in reading, spelling, language, and speech.
In addition, the equipment has also assisted The Edmark Reading Program, designed for students who have not mastered reading by alternative methods and students who are developing phonemic awareness. This method works with children with severe language difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Another mode of support offered through the programme is the Homework Centre, which provides access to technology and a quiet, conducive environment for study and research support.
IGT’s After School Advantage Programme provides computer labs and equipment for disadvantaged children (ages five - 18) to use for homework and online research during the critical after-school hours. The programme aims to satisfy the need for access to computers and the digital world for children who would not otherwise have such opportunities.
ENDS
About IGT Trinidad and Tobago
As the full-service lottery provider to the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), IGT manages the distribution, accounting and validation of the Lottery’s instant ticket business. In addition to lottery and instant ticket services, through VIA, a commercial services company, IGT provides prepaid mobile phone top-up and bill payment services over lottery terminals in Trinidad and Tobago.
About IGT:
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivalled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
(L-R) Varun Bhageraty, IGT Draw Coordinator, Clarance Baptiste, IGT Senior Comm Technician, and Cotton Tree Foundation’s Executive Director Sita Persad sort through equipment to be installed.
(L-R) IGT Country Manager Roger Bolai presents a laptop, part of IGT’s donation of technology, to Cotton Tree Foundation Chairperson Allyson Hamel-Smith during a brief handover ceremony.
(L-R) Cotton Tree Foundation Executive Director Sita Persad and IGT Deputy Country Manager Dexter W. Thomas display a framed poster commemorating the partnership between The Cotton Tree Foundation and IGT through IGT’s After School Advantage programme, which began in in 2013.
(L-R) IGT Deputy Country Manager Dexter W Thomas, Cotton Tree Foundation Chairperson Allyson Hamel-Smith, Cotton Tree Foundation Executive Director Sita Persad and IGT Country Manager Roger Bolai share light conversation during the brief handover for the IGT-donated technology equipment to outfit the Cotton Tree Foundation computer room.
