On December 11, the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, working with United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), donated educational equipment and supplies valued at $25,000 to Waterloo Secondary School. This effort is part of USSOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, which aims to improve learning environments and promote digital literacy among students.
The items provided include 10 desktop computers, desks, chairs, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), a printer, whiteboards, as well as a refrigerator, microwave, stationery, and other supplies. The program is intended to help create better learning conditions and support opportunities for students.
U.S. Navy Captain Gedion Teklegiorgis, Senior Defense Official at the U.S. Embassy, presented the donation to Mrs. Usha Dookhran-Cheeranjie, Principal of Waterloo Secondary School during the school’s annual Christmas concert.
During the ceremony Mrs. Dookhran-Cheeranjie said: “We thank the United States Embassy for their kind contribution. This year is an important year for us as we celebrate our 25th year as an institution. Our theme for the year has been celebrating 25 years of gratitude and growth. As such, we feel truly blessed to be ending such a significant year with this generous donation, giving us yet another reason to celebrate with gratitude.”
Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy said: “This is the second donation USSOUTHCOM has made through the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain in less than one week,” referencing USSOUTHCOM’s donation on December 5 to Roxborough Anglican Primary School. “The United States of America is Trinidad and Tobago’s best friend and partner, and with these donations of core educational goods and supplies, we are tangibly demonstrating the depth and endurance of our commitment to our partnership. I am delighted that these computers and equipment will be put to immediate use by the students and faculty of Waterloo Secondary.”