-group helped 50 others learn ICT skills
EIGHT hinterland students, who are attending secondary institutions in Georgetown and are housed at the Hinterland Students Dormitory, received their laptops from the One Laptop Per Programme (OLPF) Secretariat. These persons are credited with assisting 50 other students at the dormitory in acquiring ICT skills.
The OLPF initiative is aimed at ensuring that every household is computer literate, since Information Communications Technology (ICT) knowledge is mandatory, especially as the world evolves technologically. The beneficiaries were given the computers which will be used to train other members of their household and their respective communities as they will be returning home for the August vacation.
In January, the students who were already identified to benefit from the programme, embarked on a training exercise at an identified centre hub, with the aim of developing their computer skills.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir who also holds Cabinet’s responsibility for the OLPF project has maintained that the programme will enable villagers, especially from remote areas to benefit from training, since hubs will be established across the country.
However, for villages which do not boast electricity at present, stand to benefit with the introduction of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, under which Cabinet has approved procurement for 11,000 solar home systems.
“The programme which will enable 90,000 families to benefit from a computer system will see vulnerable families benefiting first. However, you the beneficiaries are required to teach at least three families how to use and care the system when you return to your respective villages,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Collin Croal on behalf of the ministry expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the exercise will go a far way, since the students, many of whom are less fortunate, can use the equipment to boost their educational advancement.   
He added that at the dormitory, internet access is offered free of cost provided by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T), and as such, the students are allowed to conduct research for school projects. (GINA)
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Collin Croal and Senior Project Manager, OLPF Sesh Sukhdeo flanked by beneficiaries and students of the Hinterland Student