B.D.F. and others provide computers to O.W. school
Presentations of computers to schools are hardly big news these days but the ceremonies that took place today in Orange Walk were special for people on all sides of the transaction. News Five’s Kendra Griffith has the story.
Kendra Griffith, Reporting
The students of Chapel School in Orange Walk braved the mid-morning sun as they attended the ceremony to open their new computer lab.
The lab consists of ten computers: four each were provided the Rotary Club and the Belize Defence Force through the Petters Research Institute, while another two were donated by technology company, GS Com.
Julian Chi Sr., Principal, Chapel School
only had two computers which serves the office, for the staff and me as the principal to work on, have records.”
For Principal Julian Chi Sr. the lab is a welcome addition to the campus and was eagerly anticipated by Chapel’s staff of twelve and two hundred and eight-two students.
Julian Chi Sr.
“We are already getting somebody to work on the curriculum and then from there we are thinking something thereabouts in the near future after Easter. By then we believe we will be starting with a formal program. We are targeting the Standard four, five and six being that these are the ones that will be going to high school. That does not shut out the other students, they will have access, but in terms of formal [classes] we are thinking four, five and six.”
Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett, Commander, B.D.F.
“Last year we had a computer assembly course in Price Barracks along with the Petters Research Institute and after that course, we had twenty computers to give out. Ten went to Arenal and ten went to schools in the Stann Creek District and since then we have gotten another fifty computers to hand out to different schools.”
“This an investment in security. If we can get these kids to become good citizens of our country, to be the future soldiers, the future policemen, then I think that is assisting us with providing a safe, secure stable country. And so we look at it as an opportunity to give back to the community so that our children have a better future.”
Chi is also proud that one of Chapel’s alumni, B.D.F. Commander, Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett, retained a soft spot for his alma mater.
Julian Chi
“He’s a graduate of Chapel School, I get from the records, 1975, a bright student apparently noh. The point is he said, I want to give back to my school, he said, my old school. So I said, sure.”
Brig. Gen. Lloyd Gillett
“I am proud to be back, but I am also proud to be back to give something back to them, opening possibilities to these children. When I was here we didn’t have any computers, so I am hoping that this small gift of a computer lab will help some of these children to become the future engineers, the future leaders of this country.”
The lab also comes with internet access courtesy Centaur Cable, which just happens to be owned by their area representative.
Johnny Briceno, Area Rep., Orange Walk Central
“As technology changes, these kids have to learn to use these tools so that they can compete in the years to come and with the access to the internet they have all the knowledge available at their finger tips.”
Julian Chi Sr.
“Yes, they are very excited about using the [computers]. The teacher’s themselves are excited about it. Now they don’t have to go over to the other place, the internet café to do their research. They can do it here at school. Including the principal is happy.”
And now that they got their lab, next on Principal Chi’s do-to list is more classroom space and an auditorium. Kendra Griffith reporting for News Five.
The Belize Defence Force I.T. Department installed the computers. The B.D.F. is planning to open another computer lab in Crooked Tree next week.
