RCA’s ‘Education Through Technology’ initiative continues to deliver laptops, vital network infrastructure to schools

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By Robert Andre Emmanuel

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The Education Through Technology initiative has launched its 18th annual installation, bringing 1,500 laptops and networking infrastructure to schools across Antigua and Barbuda, as local and international Rotary clubs continue their push to bridge the digital divide in the nation’s education system.

Local Project Coordinator and Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, Cordell Josiah, told Observer media that the project, which began in 2008, has now distributed approximately 10,000 computers to schools across the island, focusing mainly on primary institutions.

“When we started this project, there were barely any computers in the schools,” Josiah explained. “We did a programme where we trained teachers on how to impart knowledge to students using computers.”

The initiative has represented a long-standing partnership between the Rotary Club of Antigua and the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club from Washington State, USA, bringing together local knowledge of the needs of schools and students with international technical support.

Jeff Mason, a teacher with the Cisco Training programme at Newport High School and Bellevue School District, led his team of 15 high school students who help design and implement both the wired and wireless networking in the schools.

“We cover the entire island,” Mason told Observer media. “Some of the schools this year, like today, for example, we’re going to Princess Margaret, we’re going to go to Sunnydale, we’re going to TR Kirnon.”

The initiative also supports existing educational programs, as Mason noted: “We have worked closely with the Mill Reef Club, with different schools that have Lexia Reading programme,” he explained.

Mason emphasized that all of the equipment provided were donated. “This is just a gesture of goodwill,” he said.

Project Manager and Past President of the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, John Martinka, who oversees the budget and procurement aspects, highlighted the crucial support from the Mill Reef Fund in sustaining the initiative.

“They’ve been giving us money for years because they know we get results. They can see what we’re doing,” Martinka said, noting the visible improvements in school infrastructure and student access to technology.

The project’s scope extends beyond computer donations, as Martinka has established eight to 10 sewing centres around the island, focusing on skills development and self-sufficiency.

Rotary Club of Antigua President Sherrie-Ann Brazier emphasized the initiative’s comprehensive approach to serving both islands. “We will spend the day in Barbuda making sure that we don’t leave our sister island out,” she said, confirming plans to visit both primary and secondary schools there this Thursday.

The 2025 installation targets various institutions including Princess Margaret, Sunnydale, TR Kirnon, Mary E Pigott, Christ the King High School and Clare Hall Secondary School.

Additionally, the Boys Training School will receive a new network installation as it prepares to resume operations.

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