Some teachers still not in receipt of laptops under gov't programme

 

More than two years after the "Laptop for Teachers" programme was implemented in public schools, some educators have not yet received a device.

 

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says some educators are still waiting on e-vouchers to purchase laptops under the programme, which was developed by e-Learning Jamaica Limited (e-LJam).

 

Speaking Wednesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106FM, JTA President Leighton Johnson explained that the delay is due to an administrative problem.

 

"In many regards, it's an administration glitch - who should receive the laptops and the processes involved in that. Many conversations have been held with the Ministry of Education, with e-Learning Jamaica, and with administrators, and they are working out all those issues to ensure that before the project ends, all teachers receive the laptops," he outlined.

 

He also urged teachers who have received the vouchers to ensure they redeem them. 

 

Last August, Education Minister Fayval Williams said 83 per cent or 18,263 teachers received vouchers to purchase laptops.

 

At that time, 16,530 vouchers were redeemed.

 

The e-vouchers enable teachers to visit an approved vendor location to purchase a laptop that meets minimum specifications.