Digicel Foundation and Phoenix Tower Internation Open $11.8m Smart Lab at Falmouth All-Age
Education
Kingston, Jamaica – March 13, 2025 – Digicel Foundation, in partnership with Phoenix Tower International (PTI), officially opened a Smart Lab at the Falmouth All-Age School in Trelawny on Thursday, March 13.
The J$11.8 million investment has transformed a classroom into a fully equipped digital learning space, outfitted with 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a Mimio-compatible smart screen, a smart door lock for safety, and a printer.
Joy Clark, Chairperson of the Digicel Foundation, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, "At Digicel Foundation, we believe in using technology to bridge the digital divide and expose our students to emerging STEAM careers, ensuring they have the tools to compete in a global economy."
Over the years, Digicel Foundation has invested over US$1.5 million in Trelawny across its three key portfolio areas of Special Needs, Education, and Community Development.
Carlyle Roberts, General Manager at PTI English Caribbean, reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to social impact. Roberts said, “Our commitment to investing in technology for education is deeply aligned with PTI's core values of innovation, excellence, and community empowerment. We recognise that by providing access to cutting-edge technology, students are not just being equipped with the tools they need for academic success, but we are also fostering a spirit of curiosity and resilience that will serve these young minds throughout their lives.”
For her part, Deyon Colyard, Region Three Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, emphasised the importance of integrating technology into the curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes. "I charge the principal and teachers at the Falmouth All-Age School to provide experiences with technology that will strengthen the literacy and numeracy skills of the students. Let us partner together to ensure that this smart laboratory remains a hub of excellence and innovation for years to come."
Expressing gratitude for the investment in his school, Kirk Spencer, Principal of Falmouth All-Age, said, "This Smart Lab is a game-changer for our students, providing them with access to technology that will enhance their learning experience and open new doors of opportunity. We are deeply grateful to Digicel Foundation and Phoenix Tower International for their commitment to education and community development.”
Falmouth All-Age is the 18th Smart Lab established in Jamaica by the Digicel Foundation. At the end of March 2025, there will be 21 Smart Labs established across 13 parishes.