In a significant advancement for early childhood education, the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada has donated 1,500 OneTab tablets to various preschools and early learning centers across Jamaica. Valued at approximately US$88,400, the tablets were officially handed over during a ceremony on Tuesday at Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I in Kingston.
This donation is part of a broader initiative benefiting 300 institutions nationwide, with the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I, Jamaica House Basic School, and Little Angels Early Childhood Development Centre being among the initial recipients. The OneTab tablets are specially designed for educational purposes, featuring pre-installed learning applications and restricted settings to ensure a safe and controlled learning environment for young children.
Engineered for versatility, the tablets can be charged either through standard electrical outlets or via solar power, making them ideal for areas with limited access to reliable electricity or internet services. This dual-power feature ensures that the devices remain functional in diverse settings, enhancing their usability across different regions of the island.
During the event, Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, highlighted the critical role of collaborative efforts in advancing educational goals. “Educational progress cannot be achieved by the government alone. Partnerships with organizations like PACE Canada are essential. Their unwavering support has been pivotal in providing not only modern technology but also in improving educational infrastructure, ensuring the safety of our learning environments, and supporting the professional development of our teachers,” Morris Dixon stated.
She further emphasized the importance of integrating play into early education, noting that the tablets will facilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences that are crucial for the cognitive and social development of young children. “Our objective is to build an education system that empowers our youngest learners, nurturing their potential and laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous Jamaica,” she added.
PACE Canada, a registered charitable foundation since 1987, is dedicated to the holistic development of children aged three to six. Diana Burke, President of PACE Canada, noted that this donation follows the first phase of the initiative, which saw the distribution of over 900 tablets under the Government’s One Laptop per Child Initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. “At PACE, our mission is to support the success of young children. These tablets are a vital part of that mission, providing the necessary tools to enhance their educational journey,” Burke remarked.
The project is supported by a network of partners, including the Barita Foundation, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Doctor’s Cave, JPS Foundation, VM Foundation, and author Marjorie Straw. Tanketa Chance-Wilson, Executive Director of Barita Foundation, expressed gratitude towards all collaborators, highlighting the unique benefits of the OneTab devices. “These tablets are perfect for regions where internet access is a challenge. Parents and teachers can rest assured knowing that the content is safe and appropriate, creating a secure digital learning environment for children,” Chance-Wilson explained.
This collaborative effort by PACE Canada and its partners represents a meaningful step forward in equipping Jamaica’s early childhood institutions with the technology needed to foster a safe, engaging, and effective learning environment for the nation’s youngest learners.
