Dominica to benefit from the One Laptop Per Child project

Skerrit

Education of Dominican children is expected to be significantly enhanced by the use of technology with support from South South Corporation towards Government’s plans to launch a one laptop per child programme.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, on the heels of a U.S trip, told GIS news that a significant number of laptops will be provided to the Dominica Government for distribution to students.

“The other area has to do with my engagement with the South South people and their assistance in fulfilling the Government’s intention of launching a one laptop per child programme in Dominica. It is something that we have been working on and they offered us assistance in that regard. As a matter of fact, to show their commitment to working with us, they handed over to me on behalf of the Dominican people 10 laptops to show their willingness to partner with us,” Skerrit said.

He added, “In the process, we will be engaging Microsoft and HP to assist us in locating some of the resources required to implement that project because we are seeking to procure about 20,000  laptops to supply not only all the stages: the primary school, the secondary school and also the state college because we believe that is it important that we use technology in the mainstream curriculum to improve on the tuition in maths and science and geography and English language.”

The Dominica leader explained further that the laptops will be utilized by both students and teachers to aid in the learning process.

“They will be given, obviously, exercises to use the laptops and access to internet. In addition, the schools themselves will be outfitted with laptops so that it can be mainstream in the school curriculum,” Skerrit pointed out.

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75 Comments

  1. worried sick
    April 14, 2011

    Since the illegal PM has a history of lieing, i am one Dominican that is going to wait and see. we were told that we were getting a highway from Portsmouth to Roseau, but guess what Chinese are patching the road. So i will wait and see that one laptop per child project, i am not a labourite to jump at everything skerit says, so i am waiting and see.

  2. Mister PeePees
    April 13, 2011

    GOOD JOB PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT… THIS IS A VERY GOOD INITIATIATIVE AND YOU AND YOUR GOVERNMENT AND SOUTH SOUTH MUST BE COMMENDED FOR SEEKING TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE LAPTOP PLACED IN EACH HOUSEHOLD WITH SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN…LET’S HOPE THESE LAPTOPS GET TO THE HOMES WHICH MOST NEED THEM. THAT’s A PRIME MINISTER WORKING AND WE SHOULD APPRECIATE THAT EFFORT…

  3. hmm
    April 13, 2011

    this is what the Guyanese Government is currently doing i guess the other caribbean islands can do the same too we need to catch up with the rest of the world :D

  4. original mahaut man
    April 13, 2011

    God bless you Mr. pm just keep doing what is wright for Da and you will see the results at the polls in 2015, 21 seats all the way .Who jah bless no man curse. One Love mr Pm.God bless Da Dominicans think possitive when something good is happening stop the negetive comments ,and give God his thanks and praises .

  5. Family Guy!
    April 13, 2011

    I want to know what next you have to offerr us, everyday you unfolding something new, first it was investors now is laptop for everyhome…you maybe all get a large sum of money on behalf of the Dominican people that we don’t know of…keep unvailing…election far still…

  6. aa
    April 13, 2011

    but two schools on the island already have them. No big sin baby, no big sin.

  7. Smallville
    April 13, 2011

    they will have to put an internet connection in all the schools too, look money for government to spend again.

    • Delete
      April 13, 2011

      Already there. Do your homework.

      • WALA
        April 14, 2011

        some schools don’t even have phone is internet they have?

  8. Yes I
    April 13, 2011

    everybody either want to comment negatively about it or take for the PM. Its good they want to give every child a lap top in all schools but a lot of things have to go with that.
    for one, they will need to have training for teachers to be able to teach kids especially in primary schools how to use the computer
    second make computer classes mandatory in the school curriculum
    next i think they will have to deal with the problem of children going to school for how many years and still not being able to read
    next thing is to have computer rooms, especially those small country schools where they don’t even have space to have separate grades.
    Next thing is better security for the schools cuz from my knowledge a lot of schools get vandalized.
    these things should be in place for the every lap top to a child program to function properly.

  9. wikilee
    April 13, 2011

    After the pm GIVE them a laptop they want them to GIVE them internet, next they will ask to GIVE them money to pay the bill, next thing when it’s damaged they will want him to GIVE them free repair services…..

    Skerro make each student pay 100.00 for the laptop. OR leave the laptops in the school in their computer labs. A A Dominica’s have it nice wi pal.

    Stupes man

  10. Fond Cole
    April 13, 2011

    Word up PM Skerrit! And they saying you not working?? Show them how it is done!

  11. April Fool
    April 13, 2011

    Maybe I can’t read but I thought the Laptops would be put in the schools not homes? Help

  12. cautious
    April 13, 2011

    what is wrong with our Dominicans,one day u guys saying the pm not doing nothing when he doing something for the young people even you all have negative things to say..what you want the pm to do ? he give all u free transportation,free secondary education and scholarships to go abroad and study,Thank you pm by the way,i thank you for my scholarship,he now giving our young people a way to better there skills technological wise..what is wrong with you people why are you so small minded,my god…you just cannot progress in Dominica …boy thing really bad in all u head

  13. Re-Bob
    April 13, 2011

    Laptops, stupes, tablets are the future, when will u people think ahead, Get them an Ipad

    • concern citizen
      April 13, 2011

      Why you being such a fool, whats wrong with laptops

      • Viergela noel
        May 7, 2020

        Hello please I need some information of that because I have two children they not participate in online school please?

    • Mister PeePees
      April 13, 2011

      u want to give them ipad then buy it for them…some of all you like the dog with the bone in it mouth but see a reflection of the same bone looking bigger in the river and drop the bone in it mouth for its bigger bone and end up with nothing. thanks to skerrit for working to get lap tops for our kids education……our next level will be ipads but for now we willbe satisfied with laptops.

      • yes i
        April 14, 2011

        wonder if u have either or

  14. The truth
    April 13, 2011

    In dca our education is second to none! I know for a fact that once this is implemented we will
    Definitely be unstoppable. My hope is that kids will continue going to school and stop dropping out.

    I am lookin for the government to implement or use current legislation in dca to make sure kids stay in school and to influence those old enough who mess up their primary school education to grab second chances with both hands. We need to restructure the jsp type thing to influence older kids to go to school. It seems once we fail the first time most like to give up. That’s the only thing we must change…

    • be honest with ourselves
      April 13, 2011

      Our education system used to be second to none. Now….we have first form secondary students who can’t read. REALLLY. And i wont even comment on our lack of qualified teachers, I admit we are trying our best.

      I understand the need for laptops, I’m not against it but our education needs reformation back to the old days where if you couldn’t read you stayed back a grade. There’s no point wasting parents money and resources when children are in first form and can’t read. How will they read the information on the screen to do research. Computers and the internet offer typing programs but not reading. The internet was invented for literates only…although a few illiterates do slip through. Nonetheless i digress. Lets address the growing illiterate rates amongst our youth before jumping the gun here.

      Laptops per child will not help a child who can’t read…unless your encouraging them to just watch pictures. If this initiative is for the State College, it has my full support those students need access to research resources. But for primary and secondary…not even England and American schools have a computer per child in each classroom.

  15. Anonymous
    April 13, 2011

    What went wrong?My son is a student at the State College,unemployed.His computer went bad so my wife and I bought a laptop and ink for his printer here in the U.S.it cost a little above us$600. But two weeks ago he went for it at the post office and was charged ec$500.
    And this is the truth.

    • Dominica
      April 13, 2011

      I am in agreement with you. Something needs to be done about the custom situation.

    • Tedash
      April 13, 2011

      Anonymous
      personal computer are free of ABST and import duty in Antigua . The only thing you pay is the RRC which is 10% of CIF value.. Do the maths . Futhermore your soon should also informed you that the idea of laptop per child have been discuss over a year and soon to be implemented along with the provision of free internet service to people in the graysfam, point, fort road, yorks area which has already begun and is expected to be extended island wide not withstanding the fact that antigua already have the greatest internet penetration per capita in the region.

      • Tedash
        April 13, 2011

        The pm need to have a complete programme such like the one in antigua or even better , in other to to gain effectiveness . If not this will be the same thing like the housing programme where in my village the haves were given and the have not were left without and still wanting.

    • Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
      April 13, 2011

      This is sad. I call it a rip-off. I do think you should take this up with the government. Since your son is a student he should not have to pay so much. It is not fair to him. He should get certain concessions as a student. Pursue it! Ask him to contact the government department or take it straight to the PM. Surely something could be done about that. He should receive a refund of a certain amount.

    • Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
      April 13, 2011

      I forgot to mention, I hope he was given a receipt for the amount he paid and he still has the receipt as proof of what he was charged for the laptop.

  16. palm
    April 13, 2011

    do your ting pm and u should ask matt to help in the distribution too . ha ha ha is nt that we want to bring politics in this but anything u do is nt in the choice of the opposition . oh please
    good initiative mr pm very good.

  17. west coast philosopher
    April 13, 2011

    do your ting broda skerrit u are led by the spirit!!!

  18. Muslim_Always
    April 13, 2011

    We look forward to this. This is a great opportunity to modernize our education system. I’ve been thinking like this for a long time since I went to teacher’s college.

    When I used to lecture, I always email notes to my students. I used my multi-media, hardly ever used the chalk.

    Good job PM, we look forward to the concrete implementation and its success.

  19. jp121
    April 13, 2011

    Facebook should see a jump of about 20000 accounts once this program gets implemented in Dominica.

    • The truth
      April 13, 2011

      Does Dominica have 20000 people? Let alone kids. And trust me these kids already computer literate and on fb

  20. Beggs
    April 13, 2011

    Good job PM. Well they rambling and protesting, you working. DOMINICANS will reward you 100%. Have no fear. Roseau North with you all the way. Don’t forget us.

  21. Chung
    April 13, 2011

    Are you telling us the truth Sir? Are you sure it it 10 lap tops they gave you?? huuuuuuuum, you are sure it is not more like 100? When are they going to give you some more.. Add me on that list wee. I am dying to get my hands on a lap top..

    • Ching
      April 13, 2011

      the 90-10% principle?? 90% for me, 10% for them? lol!! They still happy though, who cares?

    • Cal Fawin
      April 13, 2011

      I’ll take that as sarcasm, if you don’t need a computer then don’t bother asking for one, you seem old enough to work for one anyway. :wink:

      • Chung
        April 13, 2011

        How many peoplemy age (I am not saying though) are at the red clinic in Dominica every week?? They love it, according to their masters they are no longer poor ecause they can come to the red clinic… What a people??? The few of them that are engaged in some business, so they don’t have to go to the clinic, we are going to put them ALL of out business.. hehehehehehehehedhheheheh!!hehehehheheheh! Soon we are gonna run things in Dominica…

  22. Tedash
    April 13, 2011

    U NEED FREE INTERNET TOO SKERITT. A LAPTOP BY ITSELF DON’T EDUCATE A CHILD . A COMPUTER WITHOUT THE NECESSARY SOFTWARE SUCH AS JUMPSTART WORLD CAN’T HELP IT,

    RECOMMENDATION ,
    ALL THE SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE A COMPUTER LAB AND CXC IMFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MUST BE MADE COMPULSORY LIKE MATHS AND ENGLISH .

    NEXT WE NEED COMMUNITY COMPUTER CENTERS IN EACH CONSTITUENCY WHERE DIFFERENT COMPUTER COURSES COULD BE THOUGHT FOR A SIMPLE REGISTRATION FEE ( $ 20).
    THE NEED FOR MORE HOTS SPOT AROUND THE ISLAND.

    THE REMOVAL OF ALL DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPORTATION OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER.

    • computer
      April 13, 2011

      I agree with you ,if you are giving every student a laptop you should also give internet access, just like what the Government in SVG did, give every student a laptop, every school has wifi, every school has a computer LAB, and also every teacher has a laptop. I’ll like to see the same thing happen in Dominica

    • Anti-Idiocity
      April 13, 2011

      I agree with this 100%. As a proud Dominican I’m always trying to think of a way to give back to my community after graduating from technical college and educating my fellow youth is a splendid idea.

  23. Don Corleone
    April 13, 2011

    Make them an offer they can’t refuse!! In that case it does not have to be anything much!!! LOL! Alas Dominicans, Alas, alas, alas.. I will have to move to Dominica to conduct my business, you are excatly what I need.. A bunch of dumb, hungry, low self esteem, give, give, give me people.. How pathetic!!!

    • Is that so?
      April 13, 2011

      Thanks for the offer, but no thanks!! Stay where you are Dumb Corleone. We certainly don’t need any more potato heads in Dominica. Angelo and Lennox are enough.

    • ???????????
      April 13, 2011

      You are so pathetic and very disrespectful. Hatred hatred Hatred all written over you. Can you not commend something good even if you don’t support the PM. Waw I forgot … Great Talkers are just not great thinkers.

      Come on read the article and put your thinking cap and then rewrite something positive or criticise and give an alternative solution or how to better implement the program or in what way you are willing to assist (not use people since you seem to indicate that is what you… no love for humanity!) You must also have a dumb business since you only want to focus on “A bunch of dumb, hungry, low self esteem, give, give” as you have indicated in you comments above.

  24. Just Reading
    April 13, 2011

    Great Job Mr. PM. You and your Government continue to make all Dominicans proud.

    Great initiative. While your detractors keep bashing you. Kill all of them with KINDNESS and WORKS. Heap loads of coal on their heads.

    God will Bless you continually.

  25. for real
    April 13, 2011

    some teachers are not computer literate so we will have to do a crash course to teach teachers how to use the computers effectively in the classroom. we cant afford to get these computers and not maximise their full benefits. i waiting for my child to have her own laptop in her class!!

  26. Cal Fawin
    April 13, 2011

    That’s a Very commendable initiative by the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit Led Administration. Technology will play a mandatory role in the Educational development of our Youth such as myself.

    I’m very pleased to hear this new development and I don’t care what set of kids the laptops go to, labour or uwp w/e, once it reaches the youth thats all that matters. Next few stages in technological advancement should be in the Dominica Police Force but I believe it will come in due time.

    Also, To those ignorant people who thinks its the JOB of the government to do all those things to take a lot of credit away from the Government, this is not the case, The Govt did not have to go this far as part of their Job…

    No other Government on this island can manage the affairs and development of this country the way the DLP is handling it right now so until Such an opposition and potential govt candidate presents itself, the best thing to do would be to stay silent with all the BS because you don’t want to lose a govt that actually does alot, and replace it with an opposition with no clue on how to commence with running this country…

  27. Is that so?
    April 13, 2011

    That’s the way to fight back these idiotic, wicked critics and their smear campaign in the media against you, your government and Dominica, with continued ACTION and progressive moves.

    Don’t expect them to stop though, since i expect them to criticize even this noble gesture. Just keep on working Mr. PM and THE VAST MAJORITY of us will KEEP ON VITING YOU!!!

  28. Just Giving My Two Cents
    April 13, 2011

    Great job! We need to recognize and realize that our children are the future and so, we MUST do what we can to take them to that level where they can successfully compete in the future.

    Let’s not make this about Labour and/or UWP, let it be about YOUR children and a brighter future for them. Technology is the present, so imagine the future. IF our kids can’t function or do not have the tools to function in the present, then their future will not be bright and they won’t be able to compete in the advanced and advancing world!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thank you PM and whoever is behind this initiative!

  29. Lougaoo Mem
    April 13, 2011

    Very positive steps in getting the students prepared for the technological era we are facing. The world is changing technologically and so is the way we learn. I sincerely wish and hope that these promises will come true.

  30. Foxy
    April 13, 2011

    Great job mr. PM keep fighting for our children, they are our future. Keep up the good work.

    • one more
      April 13, 2011

      Don’t let those computers into your homes parents. They are designed to spy on you and your household and the govt. collects the information. They have a video and audio that records everything that goes on in your household.
      This is a warning to those who think that they are getting a freebie. Instead you are getting an entrapment device that may result in govt. and police invasions into your lives.
      In other words, this is an invasive spy device.

      Mr. Skerrit is either falling for everything the globalists are putting out there to further entrap the people of the country and the world or just following orders as usual.

      This is a wolf in sheeps clothing and many of you have no idea of what the real motive is. It has nothing to do with educating your children. It does have a lot to do with mind control and people control.
      You people are being duped and you don’t even know it.
      Just look at how few of the students are really able to read and write and have some type of motivation by the time that they graduate secondary school. But a lot of them can punch keyboards. What happens when that is taken away. What are you left with?

      Then you will have a real picture of how the ‘educational’ system is really failing you and your children. And it has been designed to do so. They can control your minds through the TV sets and computer screens.
      This has nothing to do with politics.

      • CMan
        April 13, 2011

        And why are you on a PC? :)

        • ONE MORE
          April 13, 2011

          TO GET THE WORD OUT. My peep hole is blocked on the laptop and is in a room with no sounds or talking going on. There is no usage by children.
          It doesn’t go anywhere. Many people carry theirs all over the place. It is a tracking device. Just like the cell phones.

      • Anti-Idiocity
        April 13, 2011

        @one more
        I find your comment very amusing. As an Internetwork Engineering major I can assure you the government have no right to spy on anyone through a computer unless, said person is a suspect of a crime or has committed a crime which requires them to be monitored, such as hackers, pedophiles, sexual offenders, etc.

        As for computers affecting the youth I must agree it can be very dangerous in the long run if they’re not monitored. With anything in life moderation is key and I would hope parents take the initiative in limiting the use of said laptops to a certain amount of hours per day.

        • ONE MORE
          April 13, 2011

          I have news for you, these people are control freaks which is hard for many people to understand and they have many people employed at tracking many people. They are masters of psychological manipulation and the thought that they only use the computer for only just and noble causes is unfortunately not true.

          The hackers are usually employed by the software companies selling particular programs so that they can sell you another ‘more protective’ program. Everything is not used for the best or most noble purpose.

          You have to understand that someone has to really be saavy and informed to discern the truth from the half-truth information on the internet.

      • Bishie Dem
        April 13, 2011

        You are an a**hole.I feel sorry for you.Breaking down positivity.We parents will be grateful our kids will have access to computers knowing our money did not pay for it.You are dumb,this is the end of your progress.You will not deter me,you will not break me down,you will not keep good things from happening to our children.Jack…

      • east
        April 13, 2011

        WE have nothing to hide.I honestly cannot afford one.Good move P.M.Hackers know hackers.

      • kwaib too
        April 13, 2011

        I have not heard of a bigger JACKWAGON. You should exile yourself in Mamby pamby land.

        • dem
          April 15, 2011

          The only jackwagon i know is u.Your words tell all.

  31. DVT
    April 13, 2011

    It is one laptop per child, not one laptop per labour child, the children will not be asked who their parents support, at the start of the school year, each child will be presented with the laptop

    • ?
      April 13, 2011

      i was thinking the same myself

    • kk
      April 13, 2011

      Remember the west coast

  32. Bishie Dem
    April 13, 2011

    Aye Mr.P.M,Blessings always,Prayer will move your mountains.Bishie with you.Good move.They don’t know while they protesting,you working.Love Ya.

  33. HMMMMMM(the psychic)
    April 13, 2011

    :lol: But Skerritt getting more handsome day by day . He resembles my older brother so much. I will still vote for hime

    • Glen Beck
      April 13, 2011

      SO BECAUSE HE HANDSOME U WILL VOTE FOR SOMEONE!!!
      MAG WAY SA!
      HMMMMMM(the psychic) more like IDIOT!!

    • kk
      April 13, 2011

      i Know Jesus Christ is handsome, he died on the cross 4 all of us. y are we not all christians

  34. ny
    April 13, 2011

    What is wrong with u all d/cans?

    • DA Bajan
      April 13, 2011

      Thats who they are, DUMBS IN CANS.

  35. forkit
    April 13, 2011

    good job, i must add. i hope the laptop do not go to the labar strong hold communities only but to all schools particularly to the children of less fortunate background

  36. doctor love
    April 13, 2011

    GOOD JOB MENARD.

  37. Anonymous
    April 13, 2011

    good move mr pm
    just make sure they all don’t end up in the homes of your supporters

    and what about the assistance for university students
    so i long i apply ………..not even an acknowledgement of my application

    • ccc
      April 13, 2011

      alot of times that happens, u apply and u dont get a reply at all. shame on the ministry of education. not much cortesy in that department at all.

      • Anonymous
        April 13, 2011

        The funny thing is, the scholarships are given to their people who are less qualified that you. My 2 sisters begged for assistance, (not even a scholarship they applied for), they completed their studies and are now employed. Not a single word from the Ministry. And mark you, they requested assistance in the time of the UWP reign.

        • You Don't Say
          April 13, 2011

          Hi Anonymous, Where are your sisters currently employed? I can bet my last bottom dollar that they are not residing in Dominica. That is why I am against any government funding abroad education. It is quite costly to the tax paers who support you and never return to implement what you have learnt.

      • ny
        April 13, 2011

        What is wrong with u all dominicans? Nothing is never good enough for u all.

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