On September 18, 2016 the pupils of the Eden Lodge Primary School had some added excitement at their morning assembly when a truck arrived to deliver a new multi-functional printer and copier. The document system was a gift donated by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in response to a request by principal L. Orlando Jones. According to Mr. Jones, the all-in-one printer was especially needed to assist the students of the Special Unit at the school but he also noted that it will be used as an educational resource for the entire student population. CDB' Monica La Bennett, Deputy Director, Corporate Planning, in presenting the gift, told the principal and pupils that CDB recognises the critical role that education plays in driving economic growth and development. This, she said, was why the Bank was happy to assist Eden Lodge Primary and also why each year it supports a number of education related initiatives in Barbados. Up to November 1, 2016, the Bank, through its sponsorship programme, had donated more than BBD78,000 to educational institutions, charities, and other groups. The donations go towards meeting a number of needs, including equipment, school materials, scholarships, and travel expenses. The most recent recipient was the Alexandra School Parent Teacher Association, which received four desktop computers for forwarding to the school. At the start of the 2016-2017 academic year, CDB also handed over a donation of school supplies and stationery to Prison Fellowship Barbados. The supplies are distributed among children of inmates to help them succeed in the classroom. CDB' Monica La Bennett, Deputy Director, Corporate Planning (left) presents a new multi-functional printer and copier to Principal of the Eden Lodge Primary School , L. Orlando Jones, as some of the students look on. President of the Alexandra School' Parent Teacher Association, Janice Lawrence-Chandler (left) with CDB' Angus Aird, Manager, Technology Solutions Unit, after accepting a donation of four desktop computers.