By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts– On Friday 6th October, during the reception hosted in observance of the 106th National Day of The Republic of China (Taiwan), resident Taiwanese Ambassador George Gow-Wei Chiou made a presentation for the handing-over of 24 laptops to the Ministry of Education.
The donation has been provided by a non-profit organisation in Taiwan called ASUS Foundation.
Ambassador Chiou informed that it was established in 2008 and is supported by the world leading computer manufactures, ASUS Computer Inc.
According to him: “The aims of the ASUS Foundation are ultilising computer resources for the care of people and shortening the digital divide around the world.”
In commenting on the donation to St.Kitts-Nevis, he stated that:
“This is part of the Intelligence and communications technology collaborations between the Republic of China on Taiwan and the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis. We are committed to provide further ICT support to shorten the digital divide and provide equal opportunity for the people of St. Christopher and Nevis.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Shawn Richards told that the Ministry of Education was exceptionally pleased to once again recognise the various forms of contributions that have been to the benefit to the people in particular in the education sector.
He recalled that: “It was only a few months ago that we would have gathered for the presentation of scholarships to another cohort of students who have been given the valuable opportunity to pursue their education in Taiwan.”
Richards continued: “In a similar vein, through financial assistance from the Taiwanese government, several of our less fortunate students at our primary, secondary and local tertiary institutions have received financial assistance to offset education costs and at the start of every academic year, we gladly welcome more assistance from the Taiwanese government in the form of a teacher of physics at one of our secondary schools.”
“This we know is not the limit of your nation’s generosity to our nation,” he added.
The Education Minister highlighted the usefulness of the contributed items.
“Tonight, we are heartened by your extraordinary kindness that is evident in your presentation of 24 ASUS laptop computers to the Ministry of Education. These devices would definitely provide support for our educational institutions as an increase of available resources to improve teaching and learning to the infusion of more technological tools in our classrooms.”
In congratulating the Taiwan on its national day anniversary, he stated: “May your nation continue to develop and advance and may it also enjoy many more years of political independence.”