THERE is much talk about the digital transformation needed in Guyana to prepare citizens for the country’s ongoing development, but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous learners were unable to simply attend their online classes.

Recognising this challenge, in August 2020, Guyanese Computer Science student at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Aggrey Marsh decided that he wanted to do something about it. He recognised that many Guyanese are inherently benevolent- as much as reasonably possible- and he realised that he and his friends could put their ‘tech skills’ to good use.

And so, in August, the group began with a project known as ‘Computers for Guyana’ where they refurbished old computers donated to them and gave it to families in need. Eventually, the project grew and not only were computers ‘fixed up’ and given to children and students in need, but companies began donating tablets, which were also distributed.

“We know the need is great… The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing us to get a little bit more digital,” Marsh said, in a recent interview.

He highlighted that currently, the group has a database of over 200 persons who have all reached out to Computers for Guyana, from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. And, more than 60 families and learners who are trying to make the best of the circumstances they are confronted with in the pandemic have benefitted so far.

Colette McKenzie, a parent in Leguan whose son in secondary school received a tablet through this initiative, explained that the shift to the virtual delivery of education, prompted by the pandemic presented some challenges for her son.

As a secondary school student, he needed to attend numerous classes weekly and try to keep up with his assignments and examinations. The young man did not have his own laptop and instead, used his aunt’s laptop whenever he could, though McKenzie said that was “one and far”.

SOME RELIEF

The tablet helped to provide some relief to him and he navigated his school life and ‘Zoom school’. McKenzie also highlighted that there are numerous students on the island of Leguan who face similar issues. Often, she said, more than one learner in the household would have to attend online classes, concurrently, but there is only a laptop for the family.

Dane Prince, a father, also received a tablet through this initiative and highlighted that this has been a welcomed relief for his six-year-old who has his Grade One classes now online. Prince told the Guyana Chronicle that this tablet has been able to help his son attend the classes and also engage in learning activities on his own.

While the group continues to serve the six regions, Marsh noted that emphasis will now be placed on hinterland communities too, recognising the disparities that exist there, as well.

On Monday, Schlumberger, a company providing services in Guyana’s oil and gas industry, donated 100 new and used computers to the group. This donation is expected to bolster the distributions that Computers for Guyana engages in and provide much needed support to learners as the pandemic continues.

“We are recognised as a technology company and basically what we are doing here today is helping to promote the young talent in the country to start engaging with the technology,” Schlumberger’s Managing Director, Ernesto Cuadros said.