Foundation Helps Close Gap On Digital Divide
When the school applied for assistance with technological devices and internet data we noted that the numbers of students were small and that majority of them had no to limited access to technological resources and as such we felt with this support it will make a world of difference in their learning environment Rajnesh Prasad Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Trustee
Afacilitative environment to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and connecting the unconnected is the purpose of programme under Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation.
The Mobile for Good programme is being rolled out in rural areas and schools.
Recently, 27 students from Talaiya Muslim Primary School in Ba received six technological devices worth over $2500 with free Wi-Fi connection for a year. Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Trustee Rajnesh Prasad said: “Technological development globally and in the country is happening at a rapid pace and being one of the biggest players in the ICT industry it is our social responsibility that we ensure no one is left behind as far as access to technology is concerned.
“When the school applied for assistance with technological devices and internet data we noted that the numbers of students were small and that majority of them had no to limited access to technological resources and as such we felt with this support it will make a world of difference in their learning environment,” Mr Prasad said. School headteacher Hafiz Khan said he was very grateful for the assistance which was timely and much needed, especially because the students came from rural areas.
“We realised that the students were excited when we used technology and educational videos for learning purpose, but one of the challenges was to get high speed internet that would work better for us but we are now overwhelmed that the technological devices is also provided with free 4G Wi-Fi connection for a year,” Mr Khan said. Ministry of Education senior education officer (SEO) Atendra Kumar and newly-established NGO Philanthropy Pacific Executive Neil Maharaj also witnessed the presentation.
Mr Kumar said “We are indeed thankful to Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation for the donation to the school as the children under the supervision of teachers will now not only be able to access a lot of educational learning materials online but also able to learn skills to use such as modern technological devices.”