Vaz alumni, FAU, and Kiwanis Club lead charge in digital education transformation

The Vaz Preparatory Past Students Association (VPSPSA), a 501(c)(3) organisation, in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the Kiwanis Club of Division 23 East, have donated 30 all-in-one Dell computers to Denham Town High School and refurbished the Lloyd Carney Computer Lab at Vaz Preparatory School.

According to the VPSPSA, the combined initiative highlights the power of strategic partnerships in advancing education and fostering 21st-century digital skills in Jamaica.

The effort was spearheaded by teen ambassadors Logan Hall and Alanna Richardson, Vaz Alumni, FAU, and Kiwanis leaders, including Glen Campbell, the associate director of IT at FAU, and Stephan Rampair, lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Division 23 East.

The initiative included critical network infrastructure upgrades at Denham Town High and Vaz Prep, ensuring students can access computers, connectivity, and cutting-edge educational software.

Discussions held at FAU’s Executive Center involved representatives from FAU’s leadership team, including Campbell; Assistant Dean Vegar Wiik and Henry Domingues, director of Technology Service Group; alumna Oliver Mair, consul general for Southeast USA; Lair Hall, director at Can-Cara; Peter Richardson, president, VPSPSA; Stephan Rampair, lieutenant governor, Kiwanis; Logan Hall and Alanna Richardson, teen ambassador, focused on building a lasting partnership for digital education-focused change.

A VISION FOR DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

Peter Richardson, president of the VPSPSA, delivered an inspiring message titled ‘A Vision for Digital Empowerment’.

“This moment stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of our alumni network, our partners, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of education,” he said.

Highlighting the initiative’s impact, Richardson thanked Kiwanis for their support with shipment and assisting with the schools’ technological upgrades.

“This effort underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide by equipping students for the digital age through early computer access and meaningful partnerships. A prime example is our collaboration with alumna Simone Sobers of Winsome Wishes for KIDS,” he said.

“Resources like the UNESCO Award-Winning GraphoGame App, which strengthens literacy and numeracy skills, combined with coding, AI, and robotics programs, empower students to excel in today’s digital landscape. We are proud to have extended support to John Austin Primary in Clarendon, which received 10 computers as part of this initiative. The unwavering support of our alumni, strategic partners, and community has been instrumental in turning this vision into a reality.”

To date, the alumni have donated 200+ computers and, while we could have ensured every student at Vaz would have access to a computer, we were raised to think of others and that’s why we have donated more than 150+ of the computers to 12 schools across Jamaica.

Stephan Rampair, Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis New Kingston, encouraged the youth to empower themselves by gaining a solid understanding of how AI works, emphasising that this transformative technology is readily accessible at their fingertips.

Christine Bartley, education officer with responsibilities for schools in East Kingston and Port Royal, emphasised in her remarks, “Digital empowerment is a journey, not a destination. It demands commitment, collaboration, and creativity. I am confident that together, we can achieve greatness and overcome any challenges. Let us join forces to turn our vision for digital empowerment into reality.”

These efforts form part of a larger campaign leading up to the Vaz Preparatory School’s 75th Anniversary Gala, to be celebrated on September 12, 2026. This milestone represents an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s legacy and reaffirm its commitment to excellence in education and community service.

To support the mission via charitable contributions, persons are asked to use the following channels:

• PayPal: Vaz Preparatory School Past Students

• Website: vpsalumni.org/donate

For more information about the Vaz Prep School Past Student Association or to support the movement, please visit our website at vpsalumni.org or email: info@vpsalumni.org.