Laptop distribution picking up pace

The recently opened information communication technology centre at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke, was the venue for the distribution of 52 laptops under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) in a release said that thousands of families have already been afforded the opportunity to become computer literate, since the laptop distribution began in November. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, accompanied by Sport Director, Neil Kumar and Community Development Advisor, Odinga Lumumba were at the Soesdyke location to aid in the distribution of the laptops acquired from Haier of China.

Minister Nandlall noted that the laptop programme is a part of government’s initiative to empower Guyanese, especially those of a particular income bracket, so that they are prepared to deal with the world’s technological advances.

He stressed that it is government’s vision to prepare all Guyanese to meet new challenges through education and, empowering people with the technical resources, skills and assets to meet the demands of the technological age.

Minister Nandlall emphasised that the OLPF programme allows the beneficiaries access to innumerable opportunities aimed at advancing their educational and economic status. He indicated that a laptop is an economic and educational instrument, and urged the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the instruments. The minister urged that they notify the OLPF Secretariat if they encounter difficulties with the device in order to have the problem rectified.

The first batch of 1000 Guyanese received their laptops from the OLPF’s brainchild, former President Bharat Jagdeo in November.

The distribution process continued thereafter at 67 hubs spread across the country. On Wednesday, the distribution process was taken to Regions Three and Six with the recipients subsequently commencing their training sessions.

Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Ganga Persaud were in Region Three at the West Demerara Secondary School to oversee the process, and offer words of advice to the beneficiaries from Pouderoyen and Versailles.

In Region Six, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy was at No 54 Village where he assisted in the distribution process. Beneficiaries at all locations were effusive in their appreciation for the instrument, noting that it will elevate their status.

One elderly Region Six beneficiary said, “I feel great… this will help me know more about what is happening; not only in Guyana but the world over. I was looking forward for it for a long time and I thank God that it’s come… I want to give praise to the government for making available this laptop”.

The OLPF programme, which was launched in January 2011, targets 90,000 families. The goal of the programme is to ensure all Guyanese have access to ICT, thereby transforming Guyana into one of the most computer literate countries in the world.