INNOVATION LABS LAUNCHED AT TWO SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS IN TOBAGO
The Digicel Foundation and its innovation lab programme partners cut the ribbon on the new lab at Happy Haven School. From left to right: Gina Alleyne, School Supervisor 1, Division of Education Research and Technology; Kerchelle Elliott, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Division of Health, Wellness & Social Protection; Jason Matthews, General Manager, Digicel Plus; Penny Gomez, CEO, Digicel Foundation; Dianne Baker-Henry, Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology; Stacey Ann Peterson, Principal, Happy Haven School; Dotsie Bacchus, Project Coordinator, Technical Vocational Centre; Georgina Peterkin, Board Director, Digicel Foundation.
TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2023: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The Digicel Foundation has unveiled state-of-the-art innovation labs at Happy Haven School and the Technical and Vocational Centre in Tobago. The labs, officially opened on April 20, have been specially designed for persons with disabilities to increase their access to the digital world and enhance their learning experiences using innovative technology.
Each innovation lab has been equipped with: computers, desks, chairs, SMART T.V’s or SMART Boards, foot pedal mouse systems where needed, audio recorders, headsets, virtual reality headsets, multimedia projects and printers. The equipment also includes assistive devices and accessories that will aid students of varying abilities in using the technology independently. Jason Matthews, General Manager of Digicel Plus, announced at the launch that the labs would also benefit from one year of free Wi-Fi courtesy Digicel Plus.
The schools will have the ongoing support of the THA’s Division of Education, Research and Technology, which will provide training and technical assistance to the teachers and students using the innovation labs. Mrs Dianne Baker-Henry, Administrator of the Division of Education, Research and Technology of the THA, delivered remarks at the launch commending the Digicel Foundation for its continued work in support of persons with disabilities. Baker-Henry also had the opportunity to experience a first-hand demonstration of the virtual reality technology offered in the lab.
The technology now available to these schools can be powerful tools for inclusion, enhancing access to information and opening new avenues for persons with disabilities to participate in the workforce and society at large on an equal basis.
- Dianne Baker-Henry, Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology (Centre) uses the virtual reality technology in the innovation lab at Happy Haven school, with support from Natalie-Anne De Silva, Digicel Foundation Project Consultant (left), and Penny Gomez, Digicel Foundation CEO (right).
In addition to the two labs in Tobago, the Digicel Foundation has launched labs at: Pointe-a-Pierre Special School, Lady Hochoy Penal, Rio Claro Learning and Development School, Lady Hochoy Arima, Charis Works Christian Academy, Wharton Patrick Special School, Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf, and Goodwill Industries in Trinidad. These 10 innovation labs were commissioned to commemorate the Digicel Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of commitment to the causes of those with special needs.
The Digicel Foundation’s innovation lab programme partners explore the technology available at Happy Haven School. From left to right: Georgina Peterkin, Board Director, Digicel Foundation; Kerchelle Elliott, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Division of Health, Wellness & Social Protection; Dianne Baker-Henry, Administrator, Division of Education Research and Technology; Penny Gomez, CEO Digicel Foundation; Jason Matthews, General Manager, Digicel Plus; Stacey Ann Peterson, Principal, Happy Haven School; Dotsie Bacchus, Project Coordinator, Technical Vocational School.
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Through its world-class LTE and fibre networks, together with its suite of eight apps spanning sports (SportsMax), music (D’Music), news (Loop), local radio and podcasts (GoLoud), TV streaming, (PlayGo) enhanced messaging and marketplaces (BiP), cloud storage (Billo) and self-care (MyDigicel app), Digicel is the only operator in its markets that can deliver the complete digital experience.
Serving consumer and business customers in 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America, and Pacific with investments of over US$7 billion and a commitment to communities in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad & Tobago, the Digicel Foundation has contributed to positive outcomes for over three million people to date.
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