Peace Corps volunteer Erin Rowe initiated an Information Technology (IT) laboratory at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Sans Souci, Wakenaam Island



he laboratory has eight internet-ready computers and a summer programme for at least 80 children attending the lessons will be hosted there. The students are also being exposed to HIV/AIDS education. The secondary school is the only one with access to the internet on the island. Some 400 students are enrolled. Also, electricity is only provided at specific times on the island and through fundraising a generator was procured and some other work done. Recalling how the centre was established, US Peace Corps Country Director James Geenen said since last August "we talked and talked and it came to something". He said that the Corps was very interested in the pilot project and the subject comes up all the time. "We would like to see your efforts replicated in other communities," he told an audience comprising students, residents and teachers from other schools on the island. Geenen said the project opens opportunities for business, agriculture, health and other areas and he echoed Robinson's hope "to see it replicated."

Peace Corps volunteer Erin Rowe initiated an Information Technology (IT) laboratory at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Sans Souci, Wakenaam Island

Wakenaam IT lab opens horizons for island children

By Gaulbert Sutherland

Friday, July 20th 2007

Caption: US Ambassador David Robinson (left), US Peace Corps Country Director James Geenen (right), Peace Corps volunteer, Erin Rowe (second left) and a teacher from the school chatting before the opening of an Information Technology laboratory at a Wakenaam school

A few success stories would spur investment, United States (US) Ambassador David Robinson said at the opening of an Information Technology (IT) laboratory at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Sans Souci, Wakenaam Island.

A PEPFAR project done in collaboration with the US Peace Corps, and the US Embassy, the laboratory is already in operation at the Essequibo River school and 12 of its students have written the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate IT examination during the last school year.

US Peace Corps volunteer Erin Rowe initiated the project in 2006. The laboratory has eight internet-ready computers and a summer programme for at least 80 children attending the lessons will be hosted there. The students are also being exposed to HIV/AIDS education. The secondary school is the only one with access to the internet on the island. Some 400 students are enrolled. Also, electricity is only provided at specific times on the island and through fundraising a generator was procured and some other work done.

Recalling how the centre was established, US Peace Corps Country Director James Geenen said since last August "we talked and talked and it came to something". He said that the Corps was very interested in the pilot project and the subject comes up all the time. "We would like to see your efforts replicated in other communities," he told an audience comprising students, residents and teachers from other schools on the island. Geenen said the project opens opportunities for business, agriculture, health and other areas and he echoed Robinson's hope "to see it replicated."

Meanwhile, Robinson said many persons worked on the project "making it grow and keeping it growing is very important now." He said some overseas-based Guyanese gave a lukewarm response when asked if they would invest here and although some did express an interest Robinson said there needed to be some success stories. He said other investment opportunities were more appealing and a few success stories could make a positive impact on them. Robinson asserted that there is "enormous potential but it is untapped" and a lot is riding on the project. "This is the beginning of something very big", he declared.

Region Three District Education Officer, Annesta Douglas, in her address, committed to helping maintain the laboratory and to paying the internet bill on time. She said the Region will render "any other service within our reach so that this project can be sustained." Douglas also said the centre will be open to the wider community to enhance the quality of life and education for students.

At the same time she heaped praise on Rowe, calling her a "bold" woman who encouraged and inspired them.

Rowe, who was praised for being instrumental in the realization of the project, in her address thanked many persons while acknowledging that it took a lot of work. She commended parents for sending their children to the centre and for encouraging the development of IT in the area.

In his address, Sheik Ahmad, a teacher at the school, said Rowe performed beyond the call of duty and that they were eagerly awaiting the students' exam results. He said they were now focusing on sustaining the project and making it workable. Ahmad said "we will work towards adding towards the project" adding that a website to link up with past students was being considered.

Several teachers who participated in an information technology seminar were awarded with certificates at the launch.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: July, 2007; Peace Corps Guyana; Directory of Guyana RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Guyana RPCVs; IT

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