– REO says e-learning difficult

By: Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt has emphasised the urgent need for government WiFi in Amerindian communities located in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River.
This will not only assist residents to communicate and keep abreast with what is happening in other parts of the region and across the country, but it would also make it easier for learners to access educational materials and participate in e-learning.

During the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting for February, Ramdatt said scores of residents, particularly parents in the hinterland communities, are requesting connectivity to the government’s WiFi.

Ramdatt explained that during his recent visit to the Amerindian community of Wakapoa, parents had complained that they do not have internet access to assist their children with their research; he related that they have also indicated that they cannot afford data plans for their mobile phones.

Another major challenge is that whenever the worksheets are provided to parents by teachers, most of them cannot fully understand the contents.
Ramdatt expressed his belief that access to the internet would make it easier for parents to help their children with their school work.

He therefore called on the Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams, to make the necessary representation for the establishment of ICT hubs in those communities.
In response, Adams informed Ramdatt that he has already forwarded the concerns to the Prime Minister’s office and E-Governance and a team is expected to visit the region to check on the issue and find a solution.

“I know the struggles and as such, I keep pushing for the internet. I know it is difficult for the children, especially during this pandemic,” Adams said.

Meanwhile, the region’s Chairperson Vilma De Silva said she recently visited the Lower Pomeroon where parents there also complained. She said parents in Marlborough have requested ICT hubs for their children to utilise during the pandemic.

She informed councillors that the RDC will be following up with the relevant authorities within the government to have this issue addressed.