Jamaican $123 Million for ICT in public library project

Author: By Athaliah Baker
Title: Project to Increase Access to ICT Services Receives $123 Million
Date published: March 3, 2015
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/project-increase-access-ict-services-receives-123-million/

Abstract:
The article reports on the allotment of $123 million in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure by Jamaican Parliament to a project to increase access to information and communications technology (ICT) services. Part of this project involves increasing Jamaica's public library usage and installing computer and other technologies within public libraries. Other details of the project are mentioned including activities to be undertaken such as the completion of a needs assessment survey and baseline study, as well as the training of 45 staff members. Also mentioned is that the project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by the Ministry of Education.

Excerpt:

The Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development Project also aims to provide ICT and other training programmes to promote personal, organisational and national development; and provide new and enhanced programmes and services responsive to the needs of users, non-users and stakeholders.

It also seeks to promote programmes and services to existing and potential users to increase library usage; and create greater awareness of the value of public libraries in communities to build local and national support. 

For the new fiscal year, it is anticipated that computers and other technologies will be installed in all 128 libraries islandwide; training programmes for staff and users will be implemented; and marketing campaigns will be conducted.

Jamaican public libraries get children books on epilespy

Author: By Rochelle Williams
Title: NHF Provides $51.8 Million in Drug Subsidy for Epileptics
Date published: February 11, 2015
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/nhf-provides-51-8-million-drug-subsidy-epileptics/

Abstract:
Article reports on the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) receiving 500 children books on epilepsy from  the National Health Fund (NHF). The NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, is reported stating that this donation of books is intended at changing cultural attitudes towards persons living with epilepsy. Also stated is the total cost of the books donated to the island-wide public library network.

Excerpt:

Mr. Anderson was addressing a function held on February 9, at the Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) Tom Redcam Drive headquarters in Kingston, where 500 children’s books on epilepsy were handed over to the JLF. 

The NHF provided $360,000 for the purchase of the books, which will be distributed through the JLS’ island-wide library network.

Entitled ‘Way to Go, Flash,’ the publications are intended to raise awareness of epilepsy and help to lower the stigma against children and adults with the condition. Epilepsy is one of 15 chronic health conditions covered by the NHF.