With the addition of new furniture and equipment to the library at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP), Board chairman, Desmond Browne, is hoping for wider use of this particular facility by adult learners.

He expressed the view today as the Wildey institution welcomed the official presentation of these items procured under Government of Barbados (GOB)/Inter-American Development Bank???s (IDB) Skills For the Future (SFTF) Program.

Acknowledging that it may require a conversion of these older persons towards using the library, he said: ???But I???m hoping that with this layout of new equipment that some infusion of a new spirit can engulf the library and that adult learners who are enrolled in evening classes may find its wider use of importance to them.???

In front an audience that included Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, and his Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Harcourt Husbands, Mr. Browne stressed there was an important role for a library in an institution. He said it was the hub and could be used for measuring learning.

???If it is not widely used, there are those who say ???that???s an indication of the level of learning that goes on???,??? said the chairman, who also expressed the hope that the use of the newly-equipped library would widen the success rate of the SJPP.

Meanwhile, Principal of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, Hector Belle, in welcoming the donation from the SFTF program, said it should contribute to the improvement of the environment and ???make students feel more comfortable to come to the library, spend longer hours and at the end of the day, achieve their desired objective???.

He acknowledged that the SFTF program was conceptualised to support Government???s Human Resource Development Strategy with emphasis on improving the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training, not only at places like the Polytechnic, but in secondary schools across the island.

The Skills For The Future Program was signed between the GOB/IBD in November 2012. Since SJPP aims to provide quality competency-based education and training to students, loan funds from the program were utilised to upgrade the institution???s library that helps to support student learning and success.

Funding of the equipment and furniture falls under Component Three of the SFTF ??? Institutional Strengthening – and items were procured at approximately $84,000. Among these were ergonomic and executive chairs; a circulation desk for the librarian; a computer, photocopier and laminator.

joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb

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