The National Shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families, received a donation of technological devices and internet data through a collaboration of the Flow Foundation, the Rotary Club of St Andrew North and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports valued at US$7,000.
Twenty tablets preloaded with data and two laptops were donated to the Ministry on Friday, January 28, 2022 at its offices on Trafalgar Rd in St Andrew. The initiative was led by the Rotary Club of St Andrew North with its corporate partners Victoria Mutual, Barita Investments and Community and Workers Cooperative Credit Union, (C&WJCCU) which purchased 10 tablets and two laptops for the shelter. The Rotary Foundation provided a grant of US$1,000.
The Flow Foundation further contributed another 10 tablets and provided 25GB of preloaded data for all 20 tablets.
The National Shelter houses displaced families who have been victims of gender-based violence or domestic abuse. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange, expressed delight at the donation and emphasized the need for more support of displaced families due to domestic violence.
“I am truly happy to accept this donation of electronic devices to the children’s learning center in the National Shelter. This partnership is very strategic as the devices will go a far way to support the continuation of the online learning process for children in the National Shelter,” said Minister Grange.
She added the mothers, some of whom have been displaced but still require connectivity to carry on with their lives for work or school, will also benefit from the increased digital accessibility. “These are trying times for our women,” the Minister stated. “They are exposed to more abuse during the pandemic and some find themselves trapped in certain situations, so we are grateful for the support from the Flow Foundation and we look forward to a continued partnership.”
Kecia Taylor, President of the Rotary Club of St Andrew North, shared that supporting victims of domestic abuse is a topline priority for Rotarians across the world. “Rotary International determined that marginalized girls and women should be the focus for this year and we are very happy to respond to this need of supporting victims of gender based violence,” Taylor expressed. “With the onset of the pandemic, the new normal will require learning by technology and victims of domestic abuse should have equal opportunity to take full advantage of technology.”
Executive Director of the Flow Foundation Kayon Mitchell said the digital revolution being experienced in Jamaica and globally reduces the barriers to participation and creates a more equitable environment for persons to take advantage of technology no matter their circumstance.
“Today was a very proud day for all of us involved because this is where we are supporting and empowering these individuals to move ahead in their journey,” said Mitchell. “In addition to today’s donation we have also committed to upgrading the internet speeds of the National Shelter facilities across the island and we will be meeting soon with all stakeholders to chart the way forward.”
At the handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport were Denise Harris, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, C&WJCCU; Kecia Taylor,
President, Minister Olivia Babsy Grange; Kayon Mitchell, Executive Director Flow Foundation and Director of Corporate Communications; Samantha Charles, CEO, VM Foundation and Kimberly Simpson, Client Services Manager, Barita Investments.
Author: LeVaughn Flynn- Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited- Corporate Communications