Hundreds of students from 8 schools in rural and maritime areas are expected to get an improved access to computers and internet as the Asco Foundation has donated 5 laptops and a WiFi modem each to these schools.
These schools include Coqeloa Sangam School in Macuata, Nuku Secondary School in Serua, Sabeto District School in Nadi, Navatu Secondary School in Cakaudrove, Malhaha Primary School in Rotuma and Vunidawa Secondary School in Nausori.
Nuku Secondary School Vice Principal, Shalendra Maharaj says this will enable about 100 students in the school to get access to ICT, finish their research work and projects.
He says they do not have strong internet connectivity in the highlands of Serua where their school is located however, they are in discussions with a network provider to boost their connection.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Doctor Anjeela Jokhan says they are grateful to organisations such as Asco Foundation for their assistance as it shows they are interested in children's education and want what's best for several hundred thousand students.
She says they cannot do everything for everybody so they are very mindful of whatever extra such Foundations do and identify the students who truly need assistance.
Jokhan is also urging teachers to ensure students also get to use these laptops as they are receiving it and they must have just as much access as the teachers.
The Permanent Secretary adds they know some schools have internet access problems but they are trying to fix it and they will but schools which do have internal connection can get the service provider to boost the bandwidth.
