A New Zealand firm has partnered up with local IT company, Bluewave Wireless in their quest to assist schools in the rural areas have access to online learning. 

Last week, representatives from the Pacific Assist company were in the country and officially handed over over 60 computers for schools in Samoa. 

Through its partnership with Bluewave Wireless, through its Non-Governmental Organisation, E3 Samoa Trust, the representatives from Pacific Assist and the Chief Operating Officer of Bluewave handed over the computers and devices to the Minister for the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane. 

Speaking about the project, the C.O.O. of Bluewave Wireless, Togisala Tony Leota said this will be a great help for the schools with limited resources within the country. 

Bluewave Wireless is a local IT company responsible for the installation of internet in schools using satellite technology and its main goal is to make sure that schools across the country have equal access to the internet and learning programmes. 

"The mantra behind the initiative to assist schools and students that are vulnerable or have limited resources and devices for online learning," said Togisala.  

"These computers they will be updated with programmes that will assist kids have access to online programmes STEM ( Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.

"These are the current subjects being taught around the world and are implemented by education ministries around the world. 

"And we believe that is the way towards the future, especially now that we are in the digital age. We continue to transition into the digital age, and students will need to be able to understand, read and navigate the digital world and the only way they can do that is when they have the right tools and resources so they can access these learning materials. 

"This is just the beginning of our work for the schools through this partnership and there will be more to come."

In saying that, Togisala confirmed that through Bluewave Wireless' partnership with international companies, they will also be bringing in more than 120 laptops to be distributed to the schools in Samoa before this year ends. 

"Our goal is not only offer free internet access for the schools in the rural area and across the country, but also equip them with the right devices, equipment and programmes so they can access these online learning materials," he said.

"With the right devices and programmes the students will be able to utilise and have online lessons and it will be of no cost to the schools and the students. 

"This is Bluewave's initiative through its NGO to assist and provide resources for our schools and the development of education in Samoa."

Togisala used the opportunity to express his sincere gratitude to Pacific Assist for their willingness to assist Bluewave's quest for "digital equality" in Samoa. 

He also extended his sincere gratitude to the Minister and the Ministry of Education for their ongoing support for initiatives and programmes proposed by Bluewave Wireless.