Basseterre: St. Kitts, Wednesday, February 24 — The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has received a significant boost to its digital education efforts following a generous donation, on Monday, February 23, from the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), representing the Government of Azerbaijan.
The donation, which will fund the purchase of laptop computers for students, was formally acknowledged during a handover ceremony at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and was attended by government officials and His Excellency Ruslan Rzayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Federation and in the absence of Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley who had another engagement, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Azerbaijan for their substantial support. The contribution will directly assist the Ministry of Education in advancing its digital learning initiatives and strengthening the Federation’s education system.
“We welcome this contribution as an important component of St. Kitts and Nevis’ broader national digital transformation agenda. I believe that our children will not get very far in terms of going to the furthest point unless they are well equipped with digital technology,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.
The ceremony comes as St. Kitts and Nevis approaches 30 years of diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting the continued growth and
strengthening of bilateral ties. The Federation also expressed appreciation for scholarships previously extended to nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis, enabling students to pursue studies abroad.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Ruslan Rzayev, reflected on the strengthening relationship between the two countries since initial engagements several years ago. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to global solidarity and development cooperation, particularly with Small Island Developing States, including those within the Caribbean region.
The Ambassador highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role in international development through AIDA since its establishment in 2011. He noted that during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023, financial and humanitarian assistance was extended to more than 80 countries, including numerous Small Island Developing States.
Describing the laptop donation as more than the provision of devices, the Ambassador characterized it as a gesture of solidarity and shared values. He commended the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for its unwavering dedication to education and innovation as pillars of national development.
“We proudly support the One-to-One Laptop Programme, of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. This is a truly commendable programme aimed at advancing digital inclusion, and educational equity, as part of this initiative we are donating the laptops to empower children with the tools they need to strive in the digital age,” he said.
Additionally, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its scholarship programme for students of St. Kitts and Nevis, with new calls for applications expected in the coming years.
The ceremony underscored the deepening partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and Azerbaijan, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing opportunities for their people.
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