connect Jamaicans in the Northeast Diaspora. Last week, the group announced that it has partnered with the Digicel Foundation and the Seprod Foundation based in Jamaica, in order to roll out what has been termed as the Hotspot Corner Shop Internet Connectivity Fund.
Since the first COVID-19 case was reported more than one and a half years ago, Jamaica continues to feel the effects of the pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the country’s education system. The government has been forced to shut schools in the island nation for lengthy periods, leading to increased reliance on remote learning, which has highlighted the extent of the digital divide in Jamaica. Students who do not possess the required facilities have been unable to access their lessons amid the global health crisis. Although a significant number of children have been able to access devices through the Ministry of Education, the lack of connectivity continues to remain as a barrier.
Accordingly, Hotspot Corner Shop Internet Connectivity Fund aims to enable sustainable remote learning and educational equity in Jamaica by providing internet solutions for children and youth in the country.
“Education still remains the great equaliser. Yet, most COVID-19 responses in education have magnified the persistent inequities in education systems. We cannot speak about equity for all students without ensuring access to internet connectivity and high-quality instruction,” Dr. Dunkley noted. “Greater levels of internet connectivity will guarantee that our students have improved access to and benefit from virtual learning. We must deliver on the promise of education for our children.”
