Guardian Media’s No Child Left Behind series, which highlights the plight of children across the country who are unable to access online classes, has inspired positive responses from groups and agencies that are now providing devices and infrastructure in the affected communities.
Among them is the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), which took action following a T&T Guardian editorial on November 13 and Guardian Media news reports about the difficulties experienced by students of Brasso Venado.
TATT is now working with service providers to deploy telecommunications infrastructure to Brasso Venado and the neighbouring village of Los Atajos. Residents there will soon be able to access broadband Internet services at data speeds comparable to served areas.
The agency is also is consulting with the Ministry of Education to allocate ICT devices and interim access via mobile Internet service providers to students in the area.
The bridge at Joseph Lewis Trace, Talparo, which is being repaired by the Ministry of Rural Development.
There was also a swift response to the plight of children in the Rampanalgas community. Rampanalgas RC Primary School principal Naina Ali yesterday received 39 new tablets from the Rotary Club of Maraval.
“This contribution will make the life of the students in Rampanalgas RC so much easier; it will now make them more competitive in this online form of education we are embarking on,” Ali said.
A story by Guardian Media’s Akash Samaroo also brought desperately needed relief to residents and farmers in Talparo after a bridge at Joseph Lewis Trace that was the only access to their homes and farms collapsed during recent floods.
The bridge had been in a dilapidated condition for 20 years but floods had severely affected the integrity of the structure to the point that it could accommodate only foot traffic. Residents said the situation threatened their lives and livelihoods.
However, relief is in sight as a new bridge is currently under construction. The project is being done by the Ministry of Rural Development.