Edu Max programme launched in SVG

16.NOV.07

Students in primary schools across the country will soon be having a more interactive fun approach to some subjects taught in schools through the use of the Edu Max programme.{{more}}

The programme was officially launched recently via a two-day training session conducted at the Girls’ High School IT Room.

Project Manager of the European Union (EU) projects, Chester James said the launch of the programme was a major departure from the traditional computerisation of schools.

He told the API that the project, which was in its pilot phase, had three components:

each primary school would receive 30 computers to facilitate the project, hardware components would also be issued to schools and Learning Resource Centres, as the programme would also include the Adult literacy campaign currently on going in SVG. ADSL connectivity would also be provided to each school and Learning Resource Centre on the programme.

The programme is being funded by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and has an approximate cost of EC $7 million.

Telecommunications giant Cable and Wireless and the Ministry of Telecommunications have joined together with the Ministry of Education in seeing this project through.

The programme will target mainly Primary School students from Grades K-6. Subject areas covered under the programme include Mathematics, Health Education, Language and Reading.

According to Mr. James, the programme was three years in the making and was brought about with the aim of producing computer literate students to meet the demands of the rapid movement in this technological world.

Minister of Telecommunications Dr. Jerrol Thompson said his Ministry was happy to be associated with the project. He said he was also elated that this country would be the first of the OECS countries to launch the programme.

Cable and Wireless has signed an agreement to provide free ADSL service to schools on the programme for one year.

The Edu max programme also has additional videos and books to add support for students. The possibility of having some of the videos aired on television is at this point being explored.(API)