The Chinese ambassador donated several computers to Claridge Primary School yesterday.
The school received five desktop computers, four laptop computers and two printers.
Minister of Education, Jerome Fitzgerald was on hand for the presentation at the school yesterday and encouraged the students to study hard this academic year.
“I want you to pay attention to your teachers, study hard and do your homework,” he said.
“One of the things that the ministry has done for you so that you can get a strong primary school education is to reduce the number of subjects on your timetable. We have allocated more periods for reading and mathematics which are the basis of all other subjects.”
The education minister encouraged the students to become stronger readers.
“We believe that if you are a good reader in primary school you do well in your GLAT exams and do well in junior high school then later in senior high,” Minister Fitzgerald said.
He added that the relationship between the Chinese and Bahamian governments has improved over the years.
“The People’s Republic of China has been very good to us by offering scholarships for Bahamian citizens to study in a number of disciplines,” Minister Fitzgerald said.
“Two of our administrators in the ministry have just returned from China with Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership prepared to lead in the transformation of education. We are most proud of the support that the government of China has given to the Magnet Music Programme at the Government High School, which continues to enable performing arts students realise their dreams in the artistic arena.”
Minister Fitzgerald said students learn better when they are engaged, particularly through technology.
“I am aware that there is a need for your computer lab to be updated so these computers are greatly appreciated and will complement other computer hardware and software that will come your way soon,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador Hu Shan, who has been in The Bahamas for more than a year now, said he was happy to donate the computer systems to the students at Claridge Primary.
This is the sixth school to receive donations from the Chinese ambassador.
