Mackenzie High alumni group donates 50 tablets to school

The Mackenzie High School (MHS), Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), has benefitted from 50 electronic tablets donated by the alumni group, the Real 90’s Crew.

Alumni group member Tricia Campbell, who was present at the handing over ceremony, said this was one of two projects that were undertaken at the school for this year.
“It was in our plan for 2020, that we would undertake two projects. The first project, we did paint of our main buildings…and then this would have been our second project,” Campbell stated.
She explained that initially, the donation was supposed to consist of a backpack and school supplies but due to online classes, it was decided that the electronics would be better.
“Because children weren’t going to come to school, and so we had to meet the need that is relevant and the relevancy is to have access to the internet. Also, to have a device to use. So the group came together and we just projected 50 and with that projection, we were able to obtain 65…This is a big initiative, we’re proud that the 90’s Crew could be able to partner with the Ministry of Education to ensure that there’s continuity in learning,” Campbell emphasised.
Further, she stated that the donation will assist especially the fifth formers and teachers. However, Campbell related that the group is hoping to procure more electronic tablets to donate while thanking those who have contributed thus far.
The Real 90’s Crew is a social media group which is made up of local and overseas-based past MHS students and others. Campbell related that the group was initiated by former student Matthew Brian, who was also present for the donation.
“We were saying to ourselves, ‘how can we extend ourselves beyond the social realm’ and with that we were like ok we are going to partner with our school and in doing that I came and spoke with the Head Teacher. We spoke extensively and that was a catalyst to push us,” Campbell said.
The group also donated framed memorabilia photos of past Head Teachers of the MHS. Campbell said the response to the donations has been overwhelming.
“It’s overwhelming. The students are grateful, the teachers are grateful. The Head Teacher, in particular, has extended his gratitude…and indeed we feel grateful that persons can receive what we have to give,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Head Teacher of the school Haslyn Small expressed that the gesture was a welcome one while thanking the donors on behalf of the school’s administration. Small said the tablets will assist greatly since teachers and students are presently involved in online classes.
“I trust that such gestures of goodwill will continue, not only from the 90’s Crew but from other groups that are interested in donating to Mackenzie High School, to realise the goals and dreams of Mackenzie High. The students are overwhelmed, especially in this pandemic…There are a number of students who haven’t been able to access the online programme, so this gesture with the tablets will help some of those students that are more vulnerable,” Small related.