OLPF community hub review and verification process commences

TIMES INT'L

The One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme initiated by President Bharrat Jagdeo is moving towards realisation with the commencement of the information and communication technology (ICT) hub review and verification process.

The ICT Hub Review Panel, which includes technical representatives from several key ministries and public sector bodies, is now reviewing applications and short-listing eligible applicants from over 200 community-based organisations and entities, before beginning the on-site authentication process shortly.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the accredited hubs will provide a conducive learning environment, and facilitators will be accredited by the OLPF Project Unit, or accommodate OLPF accredited training volunteers, for the provision of technical support to the process, while facilitating and monitoring the technical and social learning progress of participating families.

The hubs will also work closely in assisting the community verification committees that will be established to screen families who apply to benefit from the OLPF. Community-based organisations, youth groups, learning institutions and schools, religious entities and sector bodies from all regions of the country have shown overwhelming enthusiasm in the process. The initiative of placing Internet-ready laptops into the homes of thousands of Guyanese families is the brainchild of President Jagdeo, who recognises that the socio-economic transformation of Guyanese families is crucial to the continued growth and development of Guyana.

The OLPF programme will be executed over a two-year period, and is aimed at placing laptop computers into the hands of 90,000 Guyanese families. Phase one will see the distribution of approximately 60 per cent of the total amount of laptops envisioned in the short term life of the programme.

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