As hundreds of Bahamian students returned to school following the holiday break they received new tablet computers donated by Disney Cruise Line.
“Community leaders have shared their desire for students to continue to adapt to a technology-based learning environment,” said Kim Prunty, vice president of public affairs for Disney Cruise Line. “It is our hope that this donation will help provide students with the tools they need for academic success, both in the virtual environment and in the classroom.”
Disney Cruise Line donated 230 tablets to students in need throughout South Abaco and South Eleuthera. The tablets are intended not only to assist students with their day-to-day learning but improve their overall educational experience.
“The Eleuthera District and Ministry of Education are very appreciative of Disney Cruise Line’s generosity, said Eleuthera District Superintendent Michael Culmer. “This donation ensures that more students are afforded greater access to the Ministry of Education’s virtual platform.”
Disney has supported communities in The Bahamas in a variety of ways for more than 20 years. In Eleuthera, Disney has provided funding for holiday food distribution events and holiday events for children and seniors across Central and South Eleuthera; sponsored local junior Junkanoo groups; and provided support to after-school programs and more. Disney also entered into an agreement with the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre and the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, providing more than $1 million over three years to fund a new Eleuthera Business Center and provide business development advisory services, business communication training, customer service training, business mentorship and other programming designed to prepare startups and small businesses for participation in development projects underway on Eleuthera.
Other outreach efforts include hosting reading programs, bringing Disney characters and gifts to children in Nassau and the Abaco islands to celebrate the holidays, and extensive support for conservation programs, among other initiatives. Disney also made significant contributions to Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery efforts, including a $1 million donation to non-profit organizations focused on rebuilding schools in Abaco, and more than $500,000 in supplies for impacted communities and direct assistance to Disney’s Bahamian employees.