Former student gifts tablets to basic school

Fearing that students at her alma mater, Great Pond Basic School in Ocho Rios, St Ann, would be left behind academically, Samantha Williams recently donated 11 tablets to the institution.

"Education is important to me because I see it as a vehicle to a better life. So I decided to supply tablets due to the gap in our online education teaching style at the moment because a lot of students are being affected," said Williams, a draw presenter with Supreme Ventures Limited. "These students didn't have any devices or data service to join their online classroom and I just had to step in and make a difference."

The tablets are equipped with 28 days data service. Principal Sandra Bailey told THE STAR that the tablets will enable the students to be better equipped.

"We are anticipating more involvement from the students because of this gift," she said. "The members of staff and parents are grateful."

"Right now it feel like Christmas came early," parent Natasha Allen smiled. "I don't have a smartphone and my daughter didn't have anything to do her school work on. I'm happy she give her a chance to get an education." Williams was able to gather more than J$200,000 to purchase the devices in two weeks.

"I distributed sponsorship letters to companies, used word of mouth, and with the help of my family and friends, I got the job done," she said. "I feel blessed to be in a position to give back and to know that I'm effecting change. All that matters is knowing that these children won't be left behind because of the pandemic."

Another parent, Trishauna Walker, who lost her job months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed gratitude for the donation.

"I couldn't afford to buy my daughter a tablet," Walker said. "Is like Santa is here. I'm feeling so good that she got the tablet so she can move forward with her education."

Williams said being back at Great Pond evoked a feeling of nostalgia.

"I remember my teachers and how helpful they were, my mothers away from home," she told THE STAR. " I could picture myself in those classrooms some years back and being there for the students motivates me because I may have just inspired someone."