Maud McLeod High to get literacy boost from tech donation for reading lab

WESTERN BUREAU:

Principal of Maud McLeod High School Avis Bailey-Coleman says the institution has found an innovative way to enhance literacy among its cohort of students through technology.

Bailey-Coleman revealed that Sandals Foundation has donated some of the latest technological gadgets which have helped her school to establish a cutting- edge reading lab towards engaging students and helping them to develop their literacy skills.

“These new technological equipment surely will provide our students with the resources and environment they need to develop strong literacy skills, foster a love for reading and explore the new world through the use of technology,” said Bailey-Coleman.

Speaking at a ceremony of appreciation to Sandals Foundation, the senior administrator of the 48-year-old education institution argued that her students will now have the opportunity to dream big as they strive to become beacons of success.

Bailey-Coleman said this investment in her school’s reading lab is a symbol of Sandals Foundation’s commitment to education and a belief in the potential of students and their ability to learn.

As part of Maud McLeod’s High School’s appreciation to Sandals Foundation yesterday, the school presented a framed image created by a student of visual and performing arts. There was also a ribbon-cutting exercise signifying the official opening of the reading laboratory.

Heidi Clarke, executive director of Sandals Foundation which is celebrating its 15th anniversary of investing in education, told The Gleaner that her organisation’s investment included 10 laptops, a smartboard and a laminator.

Literacy is empowerment

She noted that the partnership between Maud McLeod High and the foundation aims to meet the needs of over 200 students and is valued at J$1 million.

“Literacy is empowerment. Developing skills in literacy enables our children to explore possibilities, think critically and achieve through access to information,” Clarke said.

“The Sandals Foundation is committed to investing in schools and projects that support literacy development among students – regardless of their education level. We will continue to work with Maud McLeod, extending resources to build teacher capacity through training,” she added.

Education officer Dr Shamara Brissett from the Ministry of Education and Youth in Region 4 expressed thanks, saying the investment is appropriate for the advancement of the students.

Maud McLeod High, she shared, was one of the schools that in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic engaged the majority of its students through technology, using Google Classroom and YouTube.

According to her, despite being challenged with a shortage of teachers and internet connectivity due to its location, Maud McLeod High’s innovative strategies ensured that teaching and learning took place.

“The children are ready to move with this technology,” Dr Brissett said. “It was YouTube and streaming that they had access to online and they were able to sit their exams. And the data recorded from that initiative at Maud McLeod High showed that the children who did not have a physical teacher actually did better than the children who had the physical teacher.”

Vivette McIntosh-Yates, chairman of Maud McLeod High, said the gadgets will serve the school population in a special way, as she pointed out that reading is a problem right across the country.

“Maud McLeod is now on the cutting edge with technology with the opening of our technology-driven reading laboratory,” McIntosh-Yates said.

This she stated is a step in the right direction as reading will help the students to master all other subjects.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com