BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RESIDENTS of the St. Christopher Children’s Home are expected to reap many technological and educational benefits from the launch of the After School Advantage (ASA) Programme – an imitative of Caribbean Lottery’s parent company, GTECH Corporation.
The programme was launched earlier today (Jul. 23) at the home, in the presence of Ministers of Government, politicians, business officials and staff and residents of the home.
GTECH - a leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets – has opened more than 235 ASA centres worldwide, 25 of which exist in the Caribbean. And an average of US$15,000 is invested in each centre.
As part of the programme, the St. Christopher Children’s Home received six personal computers, two printers, an overhead projector screen and computer software programmes.
Brendan Hames – Account Development Manager of GTECH Antilles Lotteries – said GTECH was excited about launching the programme in St. Kitts noting that it would assist the residents of the home in building a background in technology, which – as he explained – helps with individual marketability.
“Our mission through this gift is to ensure that children of an early age are exposed to and taught technology application systems, solutions…”
Chairman of the St. Christopher Children’s Home and Service League Sebastian Mottram also gave remarks during the brief ceremony, thanking GTECH for the role it is playing in empowering the children with the tools needed to face the world on a level playing field.
“What is radically different is the brave new world that we launch the children into and the technology we need to equip them to compete with the peers on a level playing field when they leave us. Now, with the help of your donation from the After School Advantage Programme, we have real tools to empower our children to reach out to the wider communities and to explore new possibilities…”
“And with your help, our children can now reach out to a global village with all the advantages that will bring…”
The ribbon which was draped across the doorway to the computer room was cut by Hames and the Home’s Administrator Margaret Stevens, after which a tour was made of the inviting, brightly coloured space.
And it seems the children of the home could not wait to enjoy their gifts and were seen familiarising themselves with the technology.
Each computer is housed in its own custom-built cabinet donated by the Caribbean Lottery.
Resident of the Home and student of the Basseterre High School, Yovisna Glasford, told SKNVibes she is happy for the donation and says computers are a necessity if one is to advance in their educational career. She said she will use the computers to complete her school projects.
The St. Christopher Children’s Home is currently home to approximately 20 children.
