THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on Wednesday announced its collaboration with Voices GY in providing 150 free SIM cards and discounted mobile data services in an effort to assist refugees and migrants in Guyana with online learning.
Voices GY is an active civil society organisation in Guyana that works with refugees, migrants, and their host communities to alleviate their shared struggles over the past two years. Project Manager of GTT, Ubrina Khan stated that GTT has reduced its 10GB plan to aid beneficiaries in their online schooling. The Voices GY team will hold responsibility for the selection of the beneficiaries to receive the 150 GTT SIM cards based on their needs.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Voices GY to give the beneficiaries the opportunity to learn online during this COVID-19 pandemic,” Khan said.
The support is being given as part of GTT’s 30th anniversary celebrations that recognise the company’s contribution to ongoing national growth and development.
Voices GY Director, Charlie Tokeley praised the telecommunications company for its contribution to the group’s initiative, stating: “It is a really important contribution to migrants and refugees in Guyana, since it is offering them the chance to access important online services while enabling a better life experience during this challenging time.” “GTT is really taking the lead in doing this; showing the best side of Guyanese hospitality and making sure their services cater to the most vulnerable in society,” he added.

In November 2020, GTT connected over 195 students and teachers with online schooling through its SIM and 5GB data donation to several schools nationwide. GTT also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education to zero-rate a wide range of educational websites in support of online learning in Guyana, on behalf of students, and in recognition of the efforts of teachers to impart knowledge electronically.
Voices GY currently assists between 150-250 Venezuelans and Cubans each week through their online programmes, such as classes in English, entrepreneurship, psychosocial support, and Spanish for Government and NGOs, and have developed the largest online English course for refugees in the Caribbean and Latin America.