Labasa day care centre receives grant for digital learning

For the first time in eight years, Rainbow Child Day Care Centre in Labasa has received a grant to invest in digital learning.

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation director and trustee Manarusa Vanabale today handed over a $5000 grant on behalf of the organisation to the centre’s founder, Sheela Krishna.

Ms Krishna said the centre catered for children from different age groups and backgrounds, including infants as young as five months old.

“We also look after children who are physically and mentally challenged, including those with autism, because there is no separate day care centre for them in Labasa,” Ms Krishna said.

“I had been planning for a long time to attend to their special needs and one of the ways was to use a smart television to educate them.”

She said financial constraints had prevented the centre from purchasing the equipment earlier, prompting her to apply for the grant.

Ms Krishna thanked the organisation for extending its education support beyond primary and secondary schools to include early childhood centres.

“A day care centre is the first learning space for children before they enter the proper school system and it is important that we start teaching them the right way,” she said.

“Now, with this assistance, we will be in a better position to help all children equally in digital learning.”

Ms Vanabale said the grant aligned with efforts to empower a digital generation.

“We are living in an age where children are born into technology,” Ms Vanabale said.

“They do not fear it, they understand it, are curious about it and are ready to learn through it.”

She said children learn faster, think deeper and dream bigger when learning is enjoyable.

Ms Vanabale also encouraged teachers to continue taking students outdoors for activities so they could learn to respect and care for the environment.