A just refurbished and furnished Math Lab is giving Sixth Form students at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in Anguilla an opportunity to make further successful inroads in the teaching and learning of Mathematics. What is more is that the school is fortunate as other schools in the Caribbean do not have a Math Lab.
Twenty-eight laptops and related furniture were donated to the Comprehensive School at a handover ceremony on Tuesday, April 12. The provision of the equipment and furniture is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry and Education Department, a number of persons and organisations in the community.
Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Social Development and Education, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers. He said the Math Lab was conceived based on the recognition that improvements in numeracy were critical in ensuring students had the skills to cope in everyday life in the increasing complex world of work. Mr. Richardson, a former Math Teacher at the school, said the Math Lab sought to raise the profile of Mathematics and provide teachers with additional resources to engage students in learning.
“This Math Lab has been made possible through the collaborative effort of several persons and organisations,” he continued. “I wish to recognise them at this juncture. Firstly, the personnel from the Ministries of Education and Infrastructure, the Department of Information Technology and the ALCHS for concep
tualisation and design of the space; the Ministry of Education for ensuring some funds were allocated for the project and for seeking sponsorship from community partners. I also recognise and express gratitude to the Numeracy Committee for the support and advice given to the Ministry for improvement of numeracy levels.
“Our presence here is a testimony to partnership in action. We are extremely grateful to the Social Security Board for meeting the costs of the infrastructural work which was critical to getting this project off the ground. We also express gratitude to the anonymous donor who made a contribution to the school via the Governor’s Office for the purchase of the IT equipment. Thanks are also extended to Scotiabank (Anguilla) Limited for its commitment to ensuring there was appropriate seating available in the lab. Scotia’s contribution was so generous that, with their permission, the school was able to purchase additional resources. We also commend Malliouhana Anico Insurance Company (MAIC0) for responding to the call of the ALHCS Board for the provision of furniture for 6th Form which had to be relocated this year. All our sponsors have demonstrated a true commitment to education and we place on record our deepest appreciation for their contribution.”
Minister Richardson also thanked Carl Reid, Claudius Gumbs, Dwayne Harrigan and David Bryan for their work. He made special mention of Mrs. Dawn Reid and Mr. Eldon Webster for their guidance and oversight of the project.
General Manager of Scotiabank (Anguilla) Limited, Mrs. Pamela Herbert-Daniel, said the Bank was “delighted to be part of this significant milestone.” She was of the view that “the lab will assist students to learn and explore various mathematical concepts; and verify different mathematical facts and theories using a variety of activities and materials.”
The Bank Manager went on: “We urge the students, who will be experiencing the different learning opportunities, to cherish your learning experience. You are fortunate as other schools in the Caribbean do not have a Math Lab. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School for allowing us the opportunity to support your endeavours. To Mrs. Dawn Reid, it was a great pleasure working with you on this project. Your professionalism and prompt responses to my questions were well received. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Scotiabank (Anguilla) Limited, we wish you the best as you discover concepts and develop student interaction.”
Ms. Monica Hodge, General Manager of MAICO, said in part: “We are very pleased to support the Department of Education and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in their efforts to provide a comfortable learning environment for students. We trust that the students will respect the property and take care of all that has been contributed.”
Speaking on behalf of the school’s Board of Governors, Mrs. Althea Hodge said: “While the school will be dear to us individually, and as a community, the recognition is testament as to what partnerships can accomplish. We look forward to the continued involvement of the business community and individuals in the life of the school. This will ultimately lead to a greater institution and even greater Anguilla.”
Earlier, the school’s Principal, Mrs. Joyce Webster-Stuart, joined in thanking the contributors saying the occasion was not just a handing over ceremony, but a ceremony of appreciation for the generous donations. She stressed that Math, as all the other subjects, was important, as well as the students and a comfortable place where education could be provided.
Permanent Secretary, Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, told the various community sponsors: “You really stepped up to the plate. When the requests were made nobody hesitated. Everybody was on board, and we are truly grateful because it really demonstrates that we recognise the importance of supporting an institution of this nature and the efforts to improve numeracy.”
Other speakers were Mr. Doyle Hughes, Head of ALHCS Mathematics Department; Miss Ariana Woodley a 6th Form Math student; Bishop Samuel Daniel of the Counselling Department who blessed the Math Lab; and Teacher Avenella Griffith who chaired the handing over ceremony.
