MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell has identified access to the Internet as a valuable tool as churches strive to pull young people through their doors.

He was speaking last week at the official launch of the Rise to Life Training Centre at the Bishop Lascelles Allen-led Church of God of Prophecy in Mandeville.

With backing from the Universal Service Fund, 13 computers and a server were received at a cost of “just under” $3 million for the set up of the lab, which has been in its current format since August.

The minister said that there will be free Internet access for two years and wireless availability to facilitate people with their own devices.

“In so many of our community access points across Jamaica the church has been a significant partner. There is no reason, Bishop, why you can’t use it (training centre) to entice people… to come to church as well; bring the young people back to church. They learn good values here and learn right from wrong,” said Paulwell.

Allen told the Jamaica Observer following the ceremony that the facility was conceptualised because he believes that the church has a role to play in assisting people to better their lives.

“We are… empowering people by providing the facility…,” he said.

The activities of the Rise to Life Training Centre, which include computer classes and remedial reading for all age groups, an Internet café and marital counselling are structured through an education committee at the church.

Thelma Allen, a teacher by profession and wife of the bishop, heads the committee.

She said that classes are also offered for students undertaking Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects in Mathematics, English and Biology.

The first batch of 10 students last school year, including a household helper who left school at grade nine, was reportedly all successful in their respective examinations.

Paulwell, who said that there are now computer facilities in every “nook and cranny” of Jamaica, used the occasion to emphasise the value of the Tablets in Schools pilot programme.

“We were able to purchase licences for the various textbooks that students now have to purchase. For those students on the tablets programme you no longer need to buy books. If little Johnny is sick at home he can join the classroom from his bedroom by way of videoconferencing,” he said.

Paulwell said distribution of tablets to all 38 schools at the early childhood, primary and secondary level in the pilot programme is expected to be completed by month-end.