The company may have changed its name from Telecommunications to Telemedia but BTL is going ahead with plans to launch a national wireless network. And a part of that means providing free internet to schools across the country, even those in remote areas. The programme started last year with 6 schools and today 11 more got in. The new partners were welcomed at a ceremony this morning at the Radisson. BTL boss Dean Boyce says it's all about access to information and in the modern era, those who don't have it will fall behind.
Dean Boyce,
"Belize Telemedia, I'll call it Telemedia for short, is proud to be able to announce that in addition to al of those initiatives that were formerly supported by BTL, we are now able to commence the deployment of internet in all primary schools countrywide. So that's over 200 schools. So we are moving it from about 40 schools up to in total close to 250 schools. In the global market for Belize and Belizeans to compete over the coming years, we must offer the same opportunities to our children that children have in other parts of the world. We must invest in our children and in turn in the future of the country."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"At the Minister of Education it is clear to us that there is a direct link between the access schools have to information technology and the performance of their students, the quality of education that those students receive. So there is a direct link and an unquestionable link between access to information, access to information technology and the quality of education that our children receive."
Aaron Stock, Queen's Square Anglican School Student
"Providing complimentary internet to primary schools is a very noble gesture. This will allow the students who attend the various primary schools in Belize to always have access to these services which will also assist them in enhancing their computer literacy. Relieving us of the monthly fee will allow our schools to invest in other meaningful projects."
And while PSE third place finisher Aaron Stock gave the vote of thanks,
he and first place finisher Xux Ek Novelo who were both in the room this morning also got major big ups from the Minister of Education.
Hon. Francis Fonseca,
"I really want to take this public opportunity to acknowledge the number one student in our country on the PSE who happens to be here with us this morning, Miss Novelo from Hummingbird Elementary School. So can we give her a big hand, as well her teacher. Stand up Miss Novelo so they know who you are as well as your teacher and your principal who are here with you today, Miss Wade and Mrs. Vasquez. Congratulations to you and to your entire school for doing so well and there are other students here as well.
I know I see on the program my friend Aaron Stock, I see him to the back now, from Queen's Square. Aaron did extremely well as well. He came in third. I've known him for a long time, I know his family, we're very very proud of him and they all, if you watch the news last night, you can see why these young people did so well. They are all well spoken, very disciplined, very respectful so it is very very important for us to acknowledge and recognize these young people."
