Commissioner Bruce Zagers (fifth right), Island Secretary Tim Muller (right), policy advisor Rosa Johnson (left), SATEL managing director Jennifer Zagers (fifth left) and SATEL technician Steve Hughes (second left) with some of the Saba students attending the soft opening of the Study Centre.
SABA--The public entity Saba, in close collaboration with telecommunications company SATEL and Saba Comprehensive School (SCS), set up a Study Centre in Windwardside for Saba students who had to remain on the island due to the COVID-19 crisis and could not return to their universities in the United States or the Netherlands.
A parent approached Commissioner of Education Bruce Zagers in August to ask about the possibility of a study space for the affected students. Zagers acted immediately and reached out to SATEL to assist with finding a space.
SATEL’s building in Windwardside that houses the company’s telecommunication equipment had space available to accommodate the students. SATEL technician Steve Hughes started immediately with preparing the location for them. SCS assisted with lending desks and chairs for the students to use. With the help of the public entity Saba’s Facility Management team, the study space was set up within a short time.
“When I was studying, it was difficult to study from home and I preferred to study in a different space. I felt this was a great opportunity to offer a study space away from home for the students,” said Zagers.
SATEL’s managing director Jennifer Zagers said she was happy that the public entity reached out to collaborate in making the study space a reality for the students. She said she also understood how difficult it was to study during this pandemic and that she would like to see the students excel despite it all.
The idea is for students to make use of this study space during their online classes as well as for study periods. It is also a place where they can gather as friends and not be isolated at home, said Education Policy Advisor Rosa Johnson.
Hughes explained that the Internet speed should be faster for the students because they are directly connected to the main circuit. Managing Director Zagers clarified that for regular households there are limitations with the Internet due to distances from the main circuit, while the curvy routes to the households also cause disruptions in the quality of service.
Three Lipscomb University students, one Flagler College student and one The Hague University student were present for last week’s soft opening. The subjects they are majoring in include Computer Science and Math, Software Engineering, Accounting and Finance, and International Business.
The students expressed their gratitude. “Thank you for the possibility to have a different study environment and I will definitely make use of it. I have already visited the study space,” said Jessye Muller.
“I study in the Netherlands and with time-difference my classes begin very early in the morning, but I am happy to have a study space where I can come and see friends as well as study,” said Kloe Hassell.
College students who have not reached out as yet about the facility can contact Rosa Johnson at the Community Development Department.
