SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - As students and educators across Sint Maarten return to the classrooms, Telem is wishing the entire school community a successful, inspiring and rewarding new school year.
For over ten years, Telem has provided free internet connectivity to over 20 schools across Sint Maarten, helping students and educators access the digital resources they need for learning, teaching and communication. For TelEm Group, providing connectivity to St. Maarten’s public schools represents more than a telecommunications service. It is an investment in students, educators, families, and the future of the island.
By connecting thousands of students and educators, TelEm continues to demonstrate that technology can be a powerful tool for creating opportunity and strengthening communities.
As St. Maarten’s only locally owned telecommunications provider, TelEm Group recognizes the important role reliable connectivity plays in modern education. Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company has for years provided free telecommunications connections for public schools, to have access to high-quality internet services and the digital tools needed for today’s learning environment.
“At TelEm, giving back to our island community is at the heart of what we do,” said TelEm management. “We believe that education is one of the strongest investments we can make in the future of St. Maarten. It truly takes a village, and we are proud to play our part by connecting our schools.”
The upgrades include faster upload speeds, allowing teachers and students to participate more effectively in remote learning and real-time virtual classroom environments. Today’s classrooms in St. Maarten increasingly incorporates virtual boards, educational videos, video conferencing, online learning platforms, and global collaboration tools. For some students, school may also be the primary place where they have access to computers, tablets, and other digital resources.
TelEm Group’s commitment to connecting public schools’ dates back several years. During a major telecommunications conference held in St. Maarten, the company identified an opportunity to support the development of ICT education by providing public schools with free internet services and computer systems to help establish and develop individual computer laboratories. The initiative also contributes to reducing operational costs for schools, allowing valuable resources to remain focused on teaching, learning, student development, and other educational priorities.
As a government-owned company, TelEm Group also acknowledges the important role of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport in shaping the island’s educational future. TelEm remains committed to working alongside the Ministry, schools, educators, youth organizations, and other community partners to identify opportunities where telecommunications technology can support education and youth development.
The company’s CSR efforts extend beyond connectivity. Through promotional initiatives and community partnerships, TelEm is also supporting students with essential school supplies. The company has begun distributing backpacks filled with necessities such as pencils, rulers, erasers, and other school essentials, while partnering with local youth foundations and organizations to extend the reach of these efforts.
Telem is also offering a free backpack with school supplies to students whose parents/guardians activate any of the new 30-day Telem YourWay prepaid plans. Once activated, customers will be contacted to come in to the Telem location in Philipsburg.
