Almost 50 families in need have been hooked up to the internet for a year to help with remote learning in schools.

The scheme was organised with support from the Centennial Bermuda Foundation and TeleBermuda International’s Bluewave internet service provider.

The programme was launched after Mirrors, a mentoring and personal development organisation, helped out with electronic devices so children could keep up with their schoolwork when Covid-19 forced the introduction of remote learning.

Yinka Bartley, a recipient of the service, said, "I would like to express my gratitude to Bluewave and Mr Greene and the Mirrors programme for providing complimentary internet for a year.

“Having uninterrupted internet service during the pandemic has allowed my son to successfully participate in remote learning to continue on with his studies. The staff have also been very helpful and accommodating."

Lee Greene, the president of TBi, said: "TBi is proud to support an initiative that ensures that every local student can leverage the power of the internet to further their education.

“No child should be left behind due to a lack of access to the internet. This partnership between the Mirrors programme, Government and TBi guarantees students are connected to the internet to facilitate remote learning."

Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, said a total of 47 families had benefited.

Mirrors added that it had received a lot of requests from families after the last closure of classrooms for help to pay for the needed connection for online learning.

Ms Simmons said: "Mirrors has been working with the schools and executed a technology survey which identified families in need of devices and internet service.

“We are very pleased to receive the support of Centennial Bermuda Foundation and TeleBermuda International for this essential internet service to support students and their families.

“This joint partnership has allowed our students for whom online learning would have been impossible to continue their education".

For more information about Lighthouse Connect, contact Mirrors at 294 9291 or e-mail mirrors@gov.bm.