In February 2021 PACE Canada launched the “One Tablet per Child” campaign to purchase educational tablets for each of the 250 Early Childhood schools that PACE supports across the island. These 5-6 year old students need the ability to continue their learning and lessons at home until schools are again open for full in person learning.
In September 2021 we were informed by the onebillion foundation that a supply of 1,000 tablets was available and PACE agreed to purchase and ship them to Jamaica directly from the manufacturer in China. Negotiations with the shipping agent were completed and even with global supply chain problems, the devices were shipped by air freight to Jamaica. PACE President, Diana Burke, was in contact with the ECC and NET in Jamaica to make them aware of the delivery. The shipment arrived at the end of October, and on November 11th they were handed over to the Ministry and the ECC.
Has PACE Canada seen these devices?
Yes. Prior to placing the order we were provided with 5 of the devices and loaned them to the Early Childhood Education team at George Brown College, for evaluation.
How has the ECC in Jamaica been involved?
Prior to the shipment the ECC reviewed the devices and the feedback was very positive: “We looked at the video and we love the tablet! We particularly love the fact that it’s not configurable by others, and no other applications can be installed. Also, making the content available offline will be great for most of our children who are without internet access. We thank you so much!”
These devices have been delivered to the initial 200 schools, based on the direction provided by PACE Canada.
Now that these 1,000 devices have been acquired is that the end of the project ?
The project is far from completion. This initial shipment represents essentially a pilot project to validate the results in the field.
In mid 2024 we had raised enough funds to order a second shipment of 1.500 devices, and they arrived by ship at the Kingston harbour in October 2024. Our customs broker has informed us that the ship has been stripped of its cargo, and they are in the process of unloading the container.
We have also been developing distribution plans with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and the National Education Trust (NET), and thank them for their continued excellent partnership to help make this happen.
What exactly is the “One Tablet Per Child” Project
We will continue to work with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) in Jamaica, and the onebillion foundation to secure the next shipment of devices as quickly as possible. They are in the process of developing the next edition of the tablets and software.
The onetab device was designed and developed by the onebillion foundation, and is a robust, dedicated tablet designed to deliver reading, writing and numeracy – anywhere. onetab comes in a durable protective case with an optional solar charger, thereby eliminating the need to rely on access to an electrical outlet. It boots straight into onecourse, in the correct language. The onetest module allows teachers and parents to evaluate the progress of the student at regular intervals.
We know these tablets will also be beneficial for the parents of our students to provide assistance with assignments. The window of opportunity is short so now is the time to support this urgent campaign.
How can I learn more about the features of the device and course modules?
The onebillion foundation has produced a handbook that provides a lot of information about the course modules. Use the link below to get a copy of the handbook. The section below has screen image of some of the course modules.
Which schools and students in Jamaica will get these devices?
PACE promotes early childhood education with a special focus on children of pre-school age in situations of racial, cultural or economic disadvantage.
In the rural mountains of Jamaica, PACE found early on that children come to schools without electricity, without telecommunications and without even the colored felt pens North American children take for granted. How will they take their place in an increasingly borderless and electronic world? How will they be equipped to ensure their economic and cultural future? This has now been made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic which has closed schools and kids need to learn at home.
This campaign is intended to seek financial support for PACE’s continued effort to ensure many of these children have access to technology in their home schooling which is necessary to prepare them for the future and today’s global electronic world.
P.A.C.E. is seeking funding to purchase at least 10 tablets for each of the 250 kindergarten schools supported across the island. This will allow each of the 5-6 year old students to use the device at home and have access to their lessons and learning software.
In addition to making a financial contribution, you can help by telling your family, friends and colleagues about this special appeal:
- Send them an email with a link to this page “www.pacecanada.org/one-tablet”
- Download the image on this page and include it with the email
- Also post the image on your social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Follow us on social media and interact with our posts (Like, Share, Comment)
