– during recent Georgetown visit

Twenty-three students from Baramita, Region One, many of whom are preparing for the National Grade Six examinations, recently participated in fun and educational activities as Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe took them on a technology tour at STARR computer Inc. in the city of Georgetown.

The students arrived in the city recently as part of an exposure tour designed to boost the children’s self-esteem and increase their knowledge, skills and attitude in relation to social and economic issues in Guyana.

This is also being facilitated by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

During an interactive session, Minister Lowe assured the students that as long as they were willing to work hard on their educational development, she would do everything within her authority to provide them with the tools and facilities for their development.

In an interview with the Chronicle, the minister explained that with development of such inventions like the internet, the popularity with educational technology was growing every day. “Nowadays it is one of the most preferred methods of learning. Traditional lessons have been supplemented by virtual ones,” she commented.

She also noted that the visit to Georgetown by the students from Baramita, sponsored by PAHO, was very educational and informative to the students. According to her, Government is interested in giving students a brighter perspective about life and what avenues are available, especially in the technology sector. “We are working very hard making schools computerised and internet ready,” she noted.

Underscoring that STARR computer provided an excellent tour and seminar for the student, Minister Lowe said the technology company was willing to provide free tours for hinterland student to educate them on the options available in the sector.
Adding that the computer company is a pioneer in the tech industry and has been around for more than two decades, Minister Lowe said STARR produced its own brand of computer and maintenance support to meet the local demands in Guyana. Its 16 years of Security and Surveillance solutions and 14 years of telecommunications combined with several years of Renewable Energy experience placed the company at a very strategic level in modern history and a great place for students to learn.
Meanwhile, President of STARR Computer Michael Mohan disclosed that there were various ways of improving teaching efficiency with technology in education. As such, he said society shouldn’t underestimate the possibilities of educational technology in our modern society.
General Manager Rehman Majeed indicated that many Guyanese successfully developed their educational and technological skills for over two decades with a computer before the internet age – using standard applications and educational digital contents. The internet years later enhanced their abilities at a faster pace but at the expense of excessive social distraction. He noted that STARR Smart Labs are ideal for the communities because of its low cost of ownership, energy savings and, low maintenance cost.
He further noted that the field trips and seminars had been done over a decade and it had provided many enthusiastic students with exposure to various technologies.
Sales and Marketing Supervisor Penny Francis spoke to the students about the importance of focusing on their education to become a success in life.
Samsung Product Manager Raydon Samaroo and Sales Consultant Yanick Sobers gave the students a tour of the Samsung, Lenovo and Q-See Experience Centers while explaining and answering various questions that were raised.