UNICEF donates dozens of tablets to Ministry of Education

Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia
Bradshaw, accepted a donation yesterday from The United Nations
Childrens’ Fund (UNICEF) of over 120 tablets and Personal Protective
Equipment. The presentation was made at the headquarters of the
ministry on Constitution Road, St. Michael.

The tablets were presented yesterday while most of the Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) had already been distributed to 60 of the
schools in Barbados.

Dr Aloys Kamuragiye, representative of the UNICEF Office of the
Eastern Caribbean Area, made the presentation to Minister Bradshaw,
explaining that UNICEF is aware of the need across the Caribbean for
such items and is pleased to offer aid to the children in the present
situation.

Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw thanked UNICEF for the donation
and for their support of schools in Barbados, stating that on every
occasion that the ministry has called on Dr Aloys and his team, they
responded positively and have gone beyond the call of duty to assist
the students of Barbados.

“COVID-19, while it was affecting everyone across the world, Barbados
was no different, and when we reached out to UNICEF and indicated the
challenges we were having, before we even got to devices or PPE, we
also sat with them to discuss the protocols that were necessary for
the schools – both them and the Pan American Health Organisation.”
said Bradshaw.

The minister pointed out that the assistance given allowed them to
meet the international standards without having to reinvent the
proverbial wheel, but look at best practices across the world. She
said the ministry was able to tailor-make protocols which worked best
for students and teachers of Barbados, in their own environment.

UNICEF also provided the schools with posters and paraphernalia which
gave instructions on how to maintain the health protocols such as the
washing of hands and maintaining physical distancing.

Minister Bradshaw thanked not only UNICEF but also USAID, which had
worked alongside UNICEF with the donation.

Clinton White, USAID Regional Representative for the Eastern and
Southern Caribbean was in attendance. White explained that he was
happy to be part of the presentation which would benefit the students
of Barbados.

“I am very pleased to be here for this turning over of this vital
equipment and supplies…Also to support the Ministry of Education and
to continue to collaborate with our partner UNICEF to see that things
begin to prosper and grow as we go back to a new normal.” stated
White.

(AS)