WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 2018: With internet safety now being a prime global concern, it was a very timely intervention by the Digicel Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago, when they partnered with the non-governmental organisation ‘Restore a Sense of I Can’ (RSC) to launch the implementation of four Tech Clubs in our Secondary Schools. The initiative is part of an overall Digital Citizenship Programme being funded by the Foundation.
The TT $110,000 programme will be implemented in: Chaguanas South Secondary School, Coryal Secondary, Roxborough Secondary and Mason Hall Secondary.
Penny Gomez CEO shared “As a technology provider, we felt it was important to join the global discussion of safer internet use. The internet as a safe space is a personal responsibility and we are happy to offer any guidance to youth that can enhance their safe and wholesome experience as digital citizens.”
The launch which was in commemoration of “Safer Internet Day” took place on February 6 at the Chaguanas South Secondary School and was streamed live to Coryal in Cumuto. Presenters, Principals and over 70 students from both schools participated in the launch.
Donna Marie Bertrand, Principal of Coryal Secondary, welcomed the programme saying that “As educators and persons living in this digital age, we need to think about the risks involved using technology and find innovative ways to educate our students.”
In her remarks, Romeeda Ali, Principal of Chaguanas South Secondary School said, “This programme provides us with an opportunity to teach our youth values of social responsibility and to get the skills to help them become successful citizens in this global village.”
The Digital Citizenship Programme includes setting up RSC Tech Clubs, which will focus on PC repairs, Robotics, Cyber Bullying, Cyber Security, Gaming, Coding and much more. The clubs will be developed within the Secondary schools and each Club will be encouraged to refurbish old computers and donate to a community in need.
RSC has implemented over 40 such Clubs in Trinidad and have expanded the model to St Lucia, St. Vincent, Belize and Costa Rica.
The Digital Citizenship Programme will be launched in Tobago in the coming weeks.