BANK South Pacific (BSP) Financial Group Limited has donated 20 new computers to Tabubil Secondary School under its 50for50 GivimBek Initiative, restoring practical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning for Students.
The school had previously built a dedicated computer laboratory and installed PCs; however, the machines deteriorated over time. Without functioning equipment, students were unable to apply what they learned in the classroom.
The completed project includes 20 new computers with software installed, together with a local area network to support student learning and practical ICT instruction.
Handing over the project BSP Tabubil, Branch Manager Aonega Aisi, acknowledged the strong partnership between the school administration and BSP in delivering an initiative that responds directly to students’ learning needs. The completion of this project comes from the combined project funding from Tabubil Branch Community Project and the 50for50 GivimBek Initiative. A total of K80 thousand invested in this project, from procurement, logistics and installation of software and set up. This project was championed by local project leads, Neckie Robbie and Josephine Nakara.
“The 50for50 GivimBek Initiative enables our people to nominate meaningful projects and give back to communities, including their places of origin. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through genuine partnership and a shared commitment to education,” Ms Aisi said.
“ICT and digital literacy provide a practical pathway to self-learning, opportunity and advancement. Every student needs access to a computer to build the skills required to learn, participate and succeed in today’s digital world,” she added.
BSP has a longstanding commitment to supporting communities through investments in education, health, sport and wellbeing. The Tabubil Secondary School project strengthens that commitment by equipping students with essential digital skills for further education and future employment.
School Principal, Jerry Assong said, “Transporting specialised equipment into Tabubil remained an everyday challenge and described the donation as a significant boost for the school.”
“These assets will improve student learning outcomes by allowing ICT lessons to move beyond theory and into practical application. This is a great boost for our school and our students,” Mr Assong said.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Demas Tapia, also thanked BSP for the investment, saying the upgraded laboratory would empower students to develop practical computer skills – an essential competency in today’s world.
“This is an investment in the future of our children. Students can now build confidence and capability by applying computer skills in a practical learning environment. It provides a meaningful impact to these students, as some children come from remote parts of the province and access to a laptop or computer is a luxury. Through BSP’s assistance, students have the privilege to learn, giving them more opportunities to succeed in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) streams.” Mr Tapia said.
The Tabubil Secondary School computer laboratory project marks the sixth 50for50 GivimBek Initiative project
completed and handed over. Through the initiative, BSP is investing K2.5 million to deliver 50 projects, valued at K50,000 each, to 50 communities across Papua New Guinea in commemoration of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.