Kimbia, in Berbice river, gets computer lab, library

A Computer Learning and Resource center was donated to the children and teachers of the Berbice river village of Kimbia Primary School at the weekend.

The project was a collaborative effort between the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central and the Rotary Clubs of Georgetown Central, Stabroek and New Amsterdam.

Robert Thom, senior teacher of the Kimbia Primary School, spoke on what the project means for the school.

“Being a teacher before now was very challenging because we hardly had access to modern life but this set up that is putting up today – the Internet and the lab – will enhance teaching here and I can guarantee you that with this project we are going to have better success in the future national grade six exam.”

William Boyle, President of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central and also Chief executive officer of Eureka Medical Laboratory, grew up in the village of Kimbia and was the brainchild of the project.

“I was telling my friends that a drop of water was poured into the river and we ended up with a tsunami – a tsunami of support last year.

“After receiving the coveted Anthony Sabga Award, I made a resolution to assist my alma mater, my primary school, with something of their choice.

“We came up with the idea of having computers.  Then the government of Guyana decided to they would be giving internet to the riverine communities,” he stated.

Boyle, who is a past student of the Kimbia Primary School, was presented with a commemorative plaque for his work by Minister of Health Volda Lawrence, who was also in Kimbia on Sunday.

The computer centre also includes a library; it was commissioned by Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, who noted that the facility will create opportunities for the residents.

Students of the school were also presented with backpacks filled with school supplies.

After the commissioning ceremony, Corwin Agard, top student of the Kimbia Primary School at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment, was awarded a scholarship and a bursary.

The bursary is being facilitated by the Rotaract Club Georgetown Central which will ensure that Agard receives a cash grant every month throughout the span of his secondary education.

The top student will be attending President’s College.