In a significant boost for digital education access, the Rotary Club of Antigua has partnered with Washington state’s Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club to deliver 500 laptops to students at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. This initiative represents the latest phase of Rotary’s enduring Education Through Technology programme, which has been providing critical computer resources to educational institutions throughout Antigua and Barbuda since 2008.
The technology donation comes at a pivotal moment as the college experiences substantial enrollment growth following the government’s decision to eliminate tertiary education fees. College administrators have developed a strategic deployment plan that will distribute the devices across all five campus locations through an organized loan system. This approach specifically targets students who lack personal computing equipment, ensuring equitable access to digital learning resources.
Rotary officials have confirmed that this initial donation represents just the beginning of their expanded commitment, with an additional 1,500 laptops anticipated to arrive in the near future. This substantial technology infusion aims to dramatically enhance digital infrastructure throughout the tertiary education sector.
Education authorities have enthusiastically endorsed the contribution, recognizing its transformative potential for digital accessibility, online learning capabilities, and comprehensive student support services. The partnership demonstrates how international service organizations can effectively collaborate to address educational technology gaps in developing nations, creating meaningful opportunities for students who would otherwise face digital exclusion in their academic pursuits.