The Social Development Department is the recipient of eight laptop computers as it continues to forge partnerships with the private sector to diversify the scope of its offerings to its clients.

The laptops were recently donated by Deloitte British Virgin Islands to the Children and Family Support Services, in the Social Development Department, to allow students within their network to complete virtual learning and assignments.

Director Miss Laurel Freeman said this opportunity means clients, in this case children, whose parents cannot afford to purchase a laptop or have a computer at home, can have access to complete assignments.

Miss Freeman highlighted that some schools in the Territory now have electronic textbooks offerings, and this would help to alleviate some of the expenses that parents might face.

This donation is the second from Deloitte BVI. In 2021, the company donated 15 laptops to the department and Miss Feeman said the recipients are still in possession of the devices.

Miss Freeman said, “Partnership is all about community spirit. Of course, they are not aware of who our clients are, because that information is confidential, but we always report back to them, omitting the client's information, as to who got the laptop, the date, and the assigned social worker.”

Director Freeman added that she was grateful to the firm for the initiative in providing laptops to the children that are part of their clientele in the department.

She added, “Anyone else who would like to come on board to assist with this initiative, it doesn't have to necessarily be a laptop, it can be any other donation that you think children might need, or you can go directly to the school, but I believe we all have a responsibility to take care of our children.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to forging and maintaining partnerships with the private sector to help facilitate the development and protection of the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.