PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – NV GEBE announced that the last leg of the laptop donation is now complete with the remaining 50 laptops received from supplier. The laptops were turned over the Honorable Minister of Education, drs.Rodolphe Samuel, who will in turn distribute those laptops amongst the Primary Schools on the island for students who are in need. Thisdonation should help to close the gap in continuous learning on the island during the second year of COVID19 pandemic.
In the latter part of last year (2020) the former Managing Board of NV GEBE partnered with the Ministry of Education for donation of400 laptops as the uncertainty continued to hover about the physical reopening of schools due to the COVID 19. Teachers, parents and students were concerned about the fate of education due to lack of resources to access classes online. 350 of those laptops were donated during the NV GEBE 60th in September 2020, with the balance being turned over the Honorable Minister of Education drs.Rodolphe Samuel today. These devices can easily flip from being a tablet to full laptop mode and are heralded as among the most easiestto use on the market, getting students online quickly and easily.
Interim Manager of NV GEBE, Mr. Mauricio Dembrook said that,“NV GEBE has always been an avid supporter of youth initiatives programs and will continue to support and partner when called upon to provide students with the tools needed to advance in their education and careers”. He further stated that these laptops will be very beneficial to students who still have to access online classes as St. Maarten continues to fight the COVID19 pandemic.
The Honorable Minister of Education, drs. Rodolphe Samuel expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Education, all schools, teachers, parents and especially students who will be making good use of the laptops. As we continue to fight the pandemic and with schools now reopened, teachers, parents and students must still get use to the world shifting into digital direction. This timely donation will continue to allow students the access to continuous learning.
Photo: attached caption— The Honorable Minister of Education, drs. Rodolphe Samuel and Interim Manager of NV GEBE, Mr. Mauricio Dembrook
