As part of the activities marking the international telecommunication day, a new computer lab for St. John’s school for the deaf was inaugurated at the school grounds in Kanifing.

In his welcoming remarks at the launch, Mr. Daniel Mendy, Principal of the school, gave a brief history of the project.

According to him, it all started in 2007 when the Information Telecommunication Association of The Gambia (ITAG) provided a preliminary training for the deaf girls of the school. ITAG was impressed with their performance and decided to expand the scheme to a computer lab.

He assured the donors that the lab would be properly maintained and thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project.

Mr. Papa Njie, president ITAG, who also doubles as the CEO of Unique Solution said “ITAG is the pioneer association for Information Communication Technology representing the voice of the ICT industry and professionals, together with ICT enthusiasts and students,” he said. He reaffirmed his association’s commitment, together with its partners, to develop a vibrant ICT industry in the country. “In achieving these goals and objectives of supporting ICT education is of prime importance to ITAG”

He revealed that they have raised a sum of D393, 000.00 from the benevolent private sector to support the project. The computer lab has also been fitted with a functional local area network envisaged to take up to 12 computers. A wireless Internet service called “schoolnet” has also been installed and provided free of charge by Unique Solutions. The new lab he said will play a part in president’s Silicon Valley project in transforming the country into an ICT hub.

In officially launching the facility, Mr.Karim Sonko permanent secretary at the Department of State for Information, Communication Technology applauded ITAG for the initiative. He described the launch as timely as it coincides with International Telecommunication day, the theme for which was “connecting people with disabilities-ICT opportunities for all.”