A shipment of IT equipment valued at over $5 million to benefit more than 30,000 Jamaican students in 25 high and primary schools has arrived here just in time for the full resumption of face-face classes after the midterm break.

The Cornwall College Old Boys' Association Mid-Atlantic chapter (CCOBAMA), which is spearheading the IT project, said Tuesday that the equipment include Cisco switches, access points, desktop computers, iPads, laser printers, server racks, among other items.

Distribution to the beneficiary schools will be on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Cornwall College in Montego Bay, St James, beginning at 1:00 pm.

CCOBAMA, which has partnered with several past students in the Diaspora and other local education-related organisations to acquire the equipment, said a key component of the project is providing professional expertise to the schools.

“This expertise includes but is not limited to assisting in designing for schools without infrastructure; network layout; identifying equipment needed; and technical advice,” said Neville Bell, project co-ordinator and CCOBAMA immediate past president.

These professionals are alumni of various Jamaican high schools, including Cornwall College, Maldon and Wolmer's high schools.

He said the bulk of the information technology equipment for this first shipment was donated by private companies in New York and New Jersey, in association with the Having P.U.R.P.O.S.E charity. Non-digital equipment, such as face shields and goggles, were donated by cultural/goodwill ambassador from St Lucia, Taj Weekes's TOCO Foundation.

“Sending digital equipment to Jamaican schools will have a significant impact on the blended learning format currently being used in Jamaica, and it will allow these schools to better prepare for a full return to in-person learning,” Bell told the Jamaica Observer.

“This effort, spearheaded by CCOBAMA and supported by so many like-minded Jamaicans living in the Diaspora, is a significant example of philanthropy and collaboration during the continuing pandemic,” he said.

President Michael Williams noted that CCOBAMA had received IT equipment which far exceeded the needs of their alma mater, Cornwall College, and so decided to share the wealth with other Jamaican public schools.

“We feel so much joy when we can give back to our schools in Jamaica. Thanks to all our volunteers and corporate partners. Special thanks to Sandals Foundation for joining forces with us to make this a success,” said an elated Williams.

“We intend for this to be a continuing and growing effort. Since this last shipment we have already acquired an additional 200 cisco access points, and are looking to secure additional IT equipment.”