The emergence of the Covid-19 virus in 2020 challenged education systems worldwide as classes were moved to online forums. Many students experienced hardships in continuing their education, due to the inability to access technological devices for online lessons. First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Limited, staying true to its commitment of “People Helping People to Succeed,” joined forces with local school principals and guidance counsellors to identify students in need. As a result, twenty-seven (27) students across First Regional’s branch network were able to resume school activities through the use of tablets donated by the Credit Union. The Discovery Bay High School in St. Ann was also gifted with a 55-inch flat screen television, to enhance the efficiency of their virtual learning environment.

Arford Billings (left), CEO (Acting), Carlene Shirley-Johnson (second right), Operations Manager and Deslon Brown (right), Business Development Officer, at First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Limited, present tablets to Sherine Allen-Cole of York Castle High School. First Regional donated the tablets as a part of its “12 Days of Christmas Giveaways,” with twenty-seven (27) tablets being presented to students who were genuinely in need of these devices to facilitate access to online classes and training sessions. First Regional collaborated with principals and guidance counsellors of the various schools to identify these needy students.