Students at several schools across Fiji are set to benefit from improved access to digital learning after 450 laptops were distributed this week through a partnership between Dubai-based global logistics company DP World and Australian not-for-profit organisation LiteHaus International.
The donation is expected to strengthen digital literacy, improve access to technology for classroom learning and research, and better prepare students for tertiary education and an increasingly technology-driven workforce.
As part of the rollout, Suva Grammar School received 30 laptops.
Head Girl Anna Jikoibau says the additional laptops will ease pressure on existing resources.
INSERT: Head Girl on laptops 29th July
Jikoibau says the donation will ensure more students can complete schoolwork independently while gaining valuable digital skills that will benefit them in the future.
Head Boy Brendan Leo says the donation will reduce the challenges caused by limited access to computers.
He also urged students to look after the devices and use them for their intended purpose.
Acting Vice Principal of Suva Grammar School, Ralifo Nasario welcomed the donation, saying it would help bridge the gap between students and technology and better prepare them for tertiary education and an increasingly digital future.
Nasario says the laptops will support Year 12 and 13 students who are required to complete research projects and typed assignments, while also allowing them to use artificial intelligence as a learning tool.
He says early exposure to technology is essential before students progress to tertiary education.
He also encouraged students to embrace technology responsibly, saying they need the understanding and capability to use AI effectively, adding that without knowledge of AI, they will be left behind.
Meanwhile, Stella Maris School and Davuilevu Methodist School also received 15 laptops each.
The remaining laptops were distributed to schools in the Western Division, including Maharishi Sanatan College, Maharishi Primary School, Votualevu College, Votualevu Public School, Sabeto Central Primary School, and Nadi Special Education Centre.
DP World Executive Vice President for Oceania, Nicolaj Noes says that as the company's presence in Fiji continues to grow, it remain committed to creating lasting value for local communities and supporting the country's long-term economic and social development.
Noes says students will also get access to DP World’s Global Education Platform (GEP), which hosts multiple e-learning modules on various topics.
Head of Program Delivery for LiteHaus International, Rob Birnie, says the organisation has now provided computers to 125 schools across Fiji, with this being its fourth rollout in the country.
He also thanked DP World for its ongoing support across the Pacific.
