After recent successful car raffle fundraiser event, Rotary Club St. Maarten has pledged US$ 15,000 towards the DigiKidz Project of Foresee Foundation. The amount will be used to equip a classroom at Helmich Snijders Christian School with technology devices and contribute in the installation of a full wireless network infrastructure with WIFI in all classrooms and offices.
In addition to that teachers will be trained in the use of Skoolcontrol, the school’s new management platform, and the use of the Promethean digital boards.
Mr. Danny Ramchandani, Past President of the Rotary St. Maarten, said that he was impressed by the project and likes the fact that the effect of these monetary donations can be seen physically in the school. The DigiKidz project so far has been successful because everybody can see immediately where the money goes and how it is being used by students and teachers.
The donation is part of a comprehensive IT/Technology project to equip St. Maarten schools not only with hardware and software, but also train teachers on how to integrate Technology in the teaching of the FBE curriculum. The first two DigiKidz schools, Asha Stevens Christian School and Seventh Day Adventist School were fully funded by Anguilla based Windsong Foundation. The 3rd DigiKidz School will be fully funded by local St. Maarten organizations and businesses, who have shown great commitment so far.
Foresee Foundation expressed its sincere thanks to President Jeffrey “Soc” Sochrin and Mr. Ramchandani. Jose Sommers, Coordinator of the DigiKidz Project said that she felt very impressed to see how Rotarians, next to their busy jobs, make time to voluntarily contribute to educational and social projects in the local community. She promised the Rotarian attendees that both the school and the DigiKidz team will ensure that the money is well spent.
Currently the school is busy with the installation of all the network equipment and is in the process of buying the different technology devices. At the end of October the Rotary International District Governor will visit St. Maarten and Foresee Foundation in collaboration with the Hillside School will do its utmost to have several classrooms fully prepared for this event.
In addition management, staff, PTA and students are planning on a large fundraiser to also give their contribution to this exciting project.
Persons or organizations who are interested in the DigiKidz project can visit the website or facebook page www.digikidzsxm.com. Foresee Foundation is continuing its drive to expand its projects and welcomes additional donations and input from the local community.