In celebration of International Literacy Day observed recently, the Digicel Foundation last week handed over computers to three Corporate Area schools with the goal of improving literacy levels through technology.

The computers, loaded with literacy and numeracy software, were donated to the Kintyre Early Childhood Institution, the Wilbert Stuart and Port Royal basic schools.

The donations are in keeping with the foundation's Project 1000 initiative. Launched in April, Project 1000 will provide 1,000 early childhood and primary institutions across the island with Information Communication Technology equipment over the course of three years.

Digicel foundation's donation to the Port Royal Basic School will mark the institution's first encounter with computer technology. Principal Lavern Thompson said the gesture provides a great opportunity for the students.

"We have computer-literate teachers who are only too happy to guide the students in this new and exciting area of learning," said Thompson.

"Research has shown that using technology in the classroom can improve and enhance literacy and numeracy levels," noted Trisha Williams-Singh, senior corporate relations manager, Digicel. "With this in mind, it is the foundation's intention to provide 1,000 early childhood schools and institutions with the necessary resources to accomplish this goal.

For schools that received computers, when the foundation first began its work in 2004, we have seen immense improvement. We are aiming for 100 per cent literacy by 2015, and the Digicel Foundation is actively doing its part in reaching this UN-development goal."