Heritage, Flow, Nestlé partner to help Palo Seco students

PALO Seco students without computers and/or internet connectivity can now access these services for free. La Brea MP Stephen McClashie, on Tuesday, officially opened homework centres at the Palo Seco Settlement Community Centre. Students who attended the ceremony told Newsday they were happy as they now have a place to do their school work.

While they are enjoying online learning, they said they still miss physically being in school to be able to see and play with their friends. McClashie said the “crisis” of covid19 created an opportunity for initiatives such as this, which will continue to benefit students even after the pandemic.

“As part of the mantra of the La Brea constituency, we have adopted the mindset that we’re not to service a five-year political term but we’re here to service a generation.

“When we speak about this particular endeavour, we said, ‘You know what? Rather than just giving students devices when there are students with parents who are not home to supervise them, are not tech-savvy, let us create centres.”

Other centres will soon become functional at the Erin Community Centre, Vessigny Community Centre, La Brea Nightingales office and the Guapo Community Centre.

Heritage corporation communications manager Arlene Gorin-George said it “didn’t take much” convincing for the company to agree to be a sponsor. She said, “We have a corporate, social responsibility policy which speaks to us supporting education, youth development and – in a broader perspective – sustainable development.

“Over the past weeks, Heritage has been the forefront of donating (electronic) devices to students and the Ministry of Education.” Flow country manager Kurleigh Prescod said internet connectivity has “the power to change lives.”

He said because of the covid19 pandemic, the company knows it must “step up to continue to serve our customers and our communities. “The education sector is one of the most challenged sectors as most schools across the Caribbean have remained physically closed and are engaged in some form of distance or remote learning.

“Our embracing of this paradigm shift has meant that now more than ever we must ensure that we can continue to keep customers connected, as their lives, businesses and the education of their children depend on it.” He said the pandemic also led to corporate TT adapting its business models to push towards a more virtual-focused service.

The community centre also has a kitchen, an auditorium, a room for those who have their own electronic devices, bathrooms and changing rooms. Astii Francois, teacher and secretary of the Palo Seco Settlement Village Council was excited about the launch.