DIGITAL DIVIDE INITIATIVE

Bridging the Digital Divide

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and succeed in a connected world.
Through strategic partnerships, technology donations, and industry modernization, VPSPSA is helping to transform classrooms at Vaz and other schools.

1

The Challenge

Many schools across Jamaica continue to face limited access to modern technology. Without computers, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy, students are placed at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital world.

2

It Started During a Global Pandemic

Long before 2020, Vaz Alumni were already giving back; most notably, Lloyd Carney gifted a computer lab to Vaz.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic—one of the most difficult periods in recent history, when learning moved online overnight— the alumni chose to move forward.

While much of the world paused, our alumni—(L-R) Kathie-Ann Hall, Glen Campbell, Peter Richardson, and Consul General (CG) Oliver Mair — began mobilizing resources, building strategic partnerships, and laying the foundation for this technology initiative.

3

Building Strategic Partnerships

We leveraged our alumni network and partnered with Glen Campbell of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and its Office of Information Technology, along with Kiwanis Club, and corporate donors, to secure high-quality computers, networking equipment, and resources for schools throughout Jamaica.

4

Preparing Every Donation

Every computer is professionally refurbished, tested, and securely wiped through FAU's certified process. Our volunteer alumni and teen ambassadors Alanna Richardson and Logan Hall inventoried, packaged, and prepared each system for shipment, ensuring they arrive ready to make an immediate impact.

“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 — that’s why we have donated more than 150 of the computers to 12 schools across Jamaica.”

Peter Richardson

President, VPSPSA

Jamaica Gleaner — “A Vision for Digital Empowerment,” January 2, 2025

5

Transforming Schools Across Jamaica

From Kingston to rural communities, our computers and software are creating modern learning environments where students can explore, innovate, and excel.

  • Vaz Preparatory School
  • Clan Carthy Primary School
  • Rollington Town Primary School
  • Windward Road Primary School
  • John Austin Primary School, Clarendon
  • Danny Williams School for the Deaf
  • Liberty Academy
  • Denham Town High School
  • and other schools across Jamaica
6

Powered by Volunteers

Every computer moved, packed, tested, documented, and installed represents hundreds of volunteer hours donated by alumni board members committed to giving back. Director, Marsha Mais, supporting the packing and shipment.

7

Changing Lives Beyond Technology

Technology builds classrooms. Relationships build communities. Every visit strengthens lifelong bonds between alumni, educators, students, and supporters. Director, Simone Sobers supporting handovers.

8

Building Infrastructure for the Future

We go beyond computers—supporting network infrastructure upgrades, Wi-Fi access points, and educating children about digital technology & AI.

President, Peter Richardson onsite reviewing the technology stack modernization.

500+
Devices
Donated
14
Schools
Supported
2,000+
Students
Reached
10+
Years of
Impact
75
Years of
Vaz Legacy

Devices donated is a combined figure. It includes devices placed by VPSPSA, by Winsome Wishes for Kids — founded in 2020 by Simone Sobers, Vaz Prep alumna and VPSPSA board member — and by individual alumni and supporters, among them Simone Sobers and Kirk Murray, who have donated computers, tablets and other devices since 2010. Winsome Wishes for Kids reports overlapping figures as its own impact.

Our Journey

The Beginning
Alumnus Lloyd Carney donates a full computer lab to Vaz Prep — the foundation on which this mission is built.
2010
Vaz alumni, among them Simone Sobers and Kirk Murray, begin donating computers and tablets to schools in Jamaica.
2020
Pandemic begins. Alumni mobilize and collect FAU donated computers. Simone Sobers founds Winsome Wishes for Kids, which continues placing devices in Jamaican schools alongside VPSPSA.
2021
First FAU shipment reaches Jamaica. Donations and delivery partnerships take shape.
2022
Lloyd Carney Computer Lab revitalized at Vaz Prep, carrying his legacy forward.
2023
100+ computers distributed to schools across Jamaica.
2024
Infrastructure upgrades and network expansions.
2025
Devices donated pass 500 across schools in Jamaica, with continued infrastructure and network support.
2026+
Expanding reach, deepening partnerships, and equipping more classrooms across Jamaica.

Our Journey in the News

FAU News
October 11, 2023

FAU OIT Facilitates Computer Donation to Jamaica

Read Article →
The Gleaner
October 30, 2023

Past students donate computers to Vaz Prep, other schools

Read Article →
The Gleaner
January 2, 2025

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

Read Article →

Our Strategic Partners

This initiative is made possible through collaboration.

Bridging the digital divide takes universities, nonprofits, corporate donors, alumni chapters, community volunteers, and educational institutions working toward a common goal.

  • Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
  • Kiwanis Club of Jamaica
  • Winsome Wishes for Kids
  • Corporate Technology Donors
  • VPSPSA Alumni Worldwide

Help Build the Next Generation of Leaders

Every computer, every classroom, and every child reached is powered by partners who believe in the transformative power of education. Join us in bridging the digital divide — and help shape the future of a child in Jamaica.

Prefer to write to us? Email info@vpsalumni.org

GET INVOLVED

Partner With Us

Help us bridge the digital and create opportunities.