Kingston, Jamaica – The Caribbean Maritime University has received an additional twenty (20) laptops from the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) in keeping with its mandate to provide access to maritime education. This comes after the ACMF’s donation of eighteen (18) laptops to the CMU in October 2020.
“With the blended modality of learning still in place at the CMU, we are elated that even more students will be able to access online classes,” Professor Noel Brown, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Accreditation, commented at a handover ceremony on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Professor Brown highlighted that roughly 19% of the student population is unable to participate in online classes or complete assignments and examinations.
CEO of the ACMF, Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger underscored the importance of this longstanding “academic partnership” between the two entities, as the ACMF is committed to the vision of the CMU to educate a cadre of maritime professionals who are vital to the global supply chain. The strong partnership between the ACMF and the CMU has seen students benefitting from millions of dollars in scholarships and donations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand the challenges that students continue to have because of the disruption caused by the pandemic, and we hope these laptops will help meet some of those needs. Thanks to MSC Cruises, who made the donation of the laptops possible,” Dr. Brown Metzger stated.
The ACMF’s continued contribution to the CMU was reiterated by Professor Ibrahim Ajagunna, Deputy President, and Dr. Eron McLean, Vice President of Planning and Development who were also in attendance at the handover event. Dr. McLean, speaking on the donation said, “a laptop is a basic tool every student needs, but not everyone has. It is a worthy contribution.”
Also, on hand at the ceremony, was Marina Anselme, Secretary-General of the MSC Foundation located in Switzerland, a donor to the ACMF. Ms. Anselme expressed her gratitude for being a part of this venture, stating, “We believe in inclusive education which leads to purpose fulfillment. We want to ensure we are outputting responsible citizens, especially those who will contribute significantly to the blue planet.”
The laptops will be loaned to students who are disadvantaged and are available at the school’s library facility as the CMU continues to anticipate and find solutions to student needs.
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