Monday, June 25 2012

The children of Eshe’s Learning Centre, Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook recently received 20 laptops, free 4G data and a printer courtesy the Digicel Foundation. Eshe’s needs were identified to Digicel by the Rotary Club of Port-of-Spain, under President, Major Lawrence Wilson.

Eshe’s was established in 1984 by Dr Elsa Lynch who was only diagnosed with a learning disability at her tertiary level of education. At that time children with learning deficiencies became lost in the education system as they could not cope with the required academic levels.

At Eshe’s, the children progress at a pace at which they can cope. Each class has a ratio of approximately ten to 12 students, allowing teachers to pay more attention to their charges. Dr Lynch explained that the philosophy in education now is to move away from computer rooms to technology in the classroom. She also explained that there is a direct relationship with use of technology in the classroom. She noted “the technology will provide the children with levels of material that are higher than they can read but content that is more appropriate to their age.” John Delves, Digicel chief executive officer, in addressing the gathering said, “This event is not only about our giving back to the communities in which we operate, but it has even more important significance for Digicel in that it provides the young students at Eshe’s Private School the extraordinary opportunity to compete equally in the digital world that we live in today.”

He urged the teachers and children “to take full advantage of this gift which we have provided to you.” Lynch,thanked Digicel and the Rotary Club for their wonderful support for which she was extremely happy.” Digicel and the Rotary Club have also collaborated to sponsor the upcoming Assistive Technology workshop, that will see specialists in training children with learning disabilities, from the Howard School in the USA, conduct a week of training for 50 local special needs teachers in July 2 to 6 at Goodwill Industries.