GEORGETOWN – The CXC Connect mobile application launched today at Giftland Mall, by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), is intended to make communicating with the body easy and accessible to students, teachers and parents.
Minister of Education Nicolette Henry commended CXC for the initiative. Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides a chance for countries to be globally competitive in innovation and education, the Education Minister said, noting that this new app will provide a new platform for CXC stakeholders.
She said that government has been working tirelessly to improve the educational landscape nationwide adding, “One of the first challenges that this government faced and sought to address was that of the glaring inequality in and across the education sector here in Guyana.” The Ministry is currently exploring telecommunications system reform and the expansion of ICT infrastructure across this country, Minister Henry also noted.
It was explained by CXC’s Director of Operations Stephen Savoury that over the years, CXC has conducted many stakeholder engagement sessions but the biggest complaint has been a lack of communication.
Hence, he said, the idea of an app came into being, to improve communication with stakeholders. The app is designed for both Android and iOS devices. The five main features of the app are the news feed, frequently asked questions, live chat, events and access to examinations results.
There are plans to go beyond expectations Savoury added, “CXC will be looking to have a career planning feature in the app, in the future.” This, he said, will aid students at an early age to with what subjects will be fit for their field of study.
CARICOM Deputy Programme Manager, ICT for Development Jennifer Britton, said that in Guyana there is a motto: buy local, eat local, and urged persons to treat the app as their own, “This app is a local product. This is a SMART solution and I am confident it will make a difference in the education and ICT systems of the region. We are duty bound to support the CXC by downloading the app”.
Britton also added that technology and education are important instruments, central to CARICOM’s regional development.
Students in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago already use the app, which will be launched in Jamaica soon. (DPI/GINA)
