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Digicel Foundation to put more tech labs in panyards

CEO of Digicel TT and board director of the Digicel Foundation Abraham Smith chats with a young pannist at the Technology in Education Centre at Pandemonium panyard, Norfolk Street, Belmont in February 2024. -
CEO of Digicel TT and board director of the Digicel Foundation Abraham Smith chats with a young pannist at the Technology in Education Centre at Pandemonium panyard, Norfolk Street, Belmont in February 2024. -

The Digicel Foundation is again partnering with the pan fraternity to install technology labs at panyards throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Ten panyards will soon benefit from tech upgrades as part of the Digicel Foundation’s Technology in Education (TIE) programme, joining the eight launched last year.

Through an investment of $675,000, the foundation will equip the panyards with computers, desks, chairs, and essential electrical and infrastructural upgrades, a media release said.

Youth players from Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra in Tobago perform at the launch of the Panyard’s Technology in Education (TIE) Centre earlier in 2024. -

As part of this year's efforts to create vibrant, youth-friendly spaces, new tech gadgets such as Nintendo Switch consoles and smart TVs will also be installed at some of the panyards, providing new tools for learning and creativity, the release said.

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The foundation said bandleaders are eagerly awaiting the upgrades as they plan to use technology to increase and enhance music literacy among the youth.

Mayor of Port of Spain Chinua Alleyne, third from right, joined representatives from the Digicel Foundation, PanTrinbago, Valley Harps Steel Orchestra, Pandemonium Steel Orchestra and Massy All Stars Steel Orchestra to cut the ribbon on the Digicel Foundation’s Technology in Education Centre at Pandemonium panyard, Norfolk Street, Belmont, earlier in 2024. -

Project officer Diana Mathura-Hobson emphasised the broader impact of the initiative.

"The TIE centres are more than just computer labs. These spaces are meant to create new opportunities and bolster innovation within these communities. It’s about connecting culture and communities through technology in a responsible way," she said in the release.

Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, left, manager of the Tobago Pan-Thers Brian Thomas; and Digicel Foundation board director Georgina Peterkin interact with a student using a desktop computer at the Tobago Pan-Thers Panyard Technology in Education Centre. -

The partnership between the Digicel Foundation and the steelbands highlights a shared vision for blending tradition with technology, ensuring that culture remains dynamic and accessible to the next generation, the release said.

The upgrades are well under way, with the following panyards set to be completed by the end of November:

Highlanders Steel Orchestra – Morvant, Port of Spain

Royal Stars Steel Orchestra – Lady Young Road, Morvant

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Tokyo Steel Orchestra – John John, East Port of Spain

Sangre Grande Cordettes – Sangre Grande

Skiffle Steel Orchestra – San Fernando

Diatonics Steel Orchestra – Siparia

Nuttin Big Steel Orchestra – Petit Valley

West Stars Steel Orchestra – Diego Martin

Desperadoes Steel Orchestra – Port of Spain

RBC Redemption Sound Setters – Tobago

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"Digicel Foundation to put more tech labs in panyards"

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