By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT officials yesterday officially announced the donation of $25,000 worth of laptop computers from RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) to furnish the computer lab at the EP Roberts Primary School.

Yesterday, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin, with RBC officials and representatives from the Ministry of Education, conducted a tour of the school’s new “Tune into Reading” computer lab, now fully outfitted with brand new Acer laptops.

The computer lab is named after non-profit organisation Mission: Educate Bahamas’ Tune In to Reading Programme, a music-based computer programme developed in the United States that helps students improve their reading abilities in record time.

Yesterday, Mr Fitzgerald said he was pleased to participate in what he called a “celebration of cooperation” between RBC, Mission Educate Bahamas and the Ministry of Education.

“I am confident that these computers will enhance the academic performance of students through improved literacy skills; create paths for academic success and boost reading confidence that allows for greater productivity among students as a result of them being capable and confident readers,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“Our emphasis this year is on quality and RBC and Mission Educate Bahamas is in keeping with that standard.”

Rob Johnston, CEO of RBC Caribbean Banking, called the donation an “important corporate initiative” that would ultimately aid students in excelling academically as well as developing improved literacy skills.

“RBC’s commitment has been demonstrated through donations of time and financial resources to many schools throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” he said. “We believe in education and we stand committed with you, and our partners from the Ministry of Education as we prepare our youth to be the next generation of outstanding leaders.”