Author: jahighlights

Nearly 100 Caribbean Youth Transform Into Tech Innovators at Brightstar Lottery’s Milestone Fifth Coding Camp

Students at the 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp examine robotics components and reference materials under the guidance of staff volunteers and Centre Supervisors, developing technical skills through collaborative learning.

Brightstar Lottery (“Brightstar”), successfully completed its fifth annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp with 100 Caribbean students graduating from the programme. Comprised of students from five Caribbean territories – Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands – the Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp proved that geography cannot limit Caribbean youth’s technological potential.

From July 14-25, students from Brightstar’s After School Advantage Centres immersed themselves in a cutting-edge curriculum developed with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (“MGI”) at The University of the West Indies. Under the theme “Coding Opens Doors”, participants didn’t just learn technology – they became creators, innovators, and digital architects of the Caribbean’s technological future.

“The digital literacy gap isn’t merely a technological challenge; it’s a matter of economic sovereignty for Caribbean nations,” said Shelly Ann Hee Chung, Brightstar’s Director, Antilles. “Through our Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, we cultivated a generation of innovative thinkers who transformed from technology consumers to creators, establishing a foundation for sustainable digital economies across our islands.”

The Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp featured two distinct learning tracks. Level 1 students mastered web development fundamentals, learning HTML for content creation, CSS for design, and JavaScript for interactivity. Their capstone projects included personalised websites featuring Home and About Me pages, Coding Careers pages exploring technology opportunities, Coding Tools pages highlighting development resources, and Contact Us pages – all inspired by the camp’s “Coding Opens Doors” theme.

Level 2 participants advanced into artificial intelligence (“AI”) and robotics, exploring AI applications, creating machine learning models using Google Teachable Machines, and building functional robots using VEX robotics platforms. Students engaged with cutting-edge technologies, including Robotic Process Automation and participated in VR.VEX virtual reality activities.

“In the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, early exposure to computational thinking proves as fundamental as traditional literacy,” said Debbie Green,  General Manager, Brightstar Jamaica. “Our multi-island approach to the Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp demonstrates our commitment to democratizing access to these critical skills, ensuring that geographical constraints don’t limit any child’s opportunity to participate in the digital future.”

The programme’s success was measured not only in technical skills acquired but in the transformation of student perspectives on technology careers. Participants discovered how coding opens doors to industries ranging from healthcare and finance to entertainment and environmental conservation, directly addressing the Caribbean’s need for homegrown technology talent.

Throughout the camp, students worked in virtual breakout rooms, fostering collaboration across territories while building individual expertise. The programme’s hands-on approach yielded extraordinary results. Students created working web calculators, interactive image carousels, and AI models addressing everything from hurricane preparedness to sustainable tourism. Their final presentations demonstrated not just technical proficiency but creative problem-solving that directly addressed Caribbean realities.

“By designing content that’s accessible to students regardless of their technical background, we are helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators who can use mapping, software engineering, data analysis, and geospatial thinking to solve real-world problems in their communities,” said Luke Buchanan, Executive Director, MGI.

The 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp’s success arrives at a crucial moment. As Caribbean governments prioritise digital transformation and seek homegrown technology talent, Brightstar’s investment in youth development provides exactly the skilled workforce these ambitions require.

This fifth annual achievement positions Brightstar as more than a technology company – it’s a catalyst for Caribbean excellence, proving that strategic investment in youth education yields transformational results that can benefit entire regions for generations to come.

Students collaborate on coding projects during the 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock!, developing essential digital skills via interactive technology education.

Caribbean Brain Gain: How Coding Initiatives Encourage Educated Youth to Stay Local

For decades, the Caribbean has watched its brightest talents migrate to the
United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, pursuing opportunities that
seemed unattainable at home. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding
across our islands, one that is transforming the story of Caribbean youth and
their future prospects. Brightstar Lottery’s fifth annual Brightstar Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, which took place from July 14 to 25, 2025, is more than just a technology
education programme—it’s a strategic investment in increasing brain gain in
our region.

A student adjusts a humanoid robot during the fifth-annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar. The hands-on curriculum, developed in partnership with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI), is part of a STEM initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technological literacy among Jamaican youth

The concept of “brain gain” has become increasingly relevant as Caribbean
nations recognise that retaining educated talent is crucial for sustainable
development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on economic
incentives, Brightstar’s innovative camp tackles the root cause: the
perception that meaningful technology careers do not exist in the Caribbean.
“We’re not just teaching students to code; we’re showing them that the
Caribbean can be a launchpad for global innovation,” explains Debbie Green,
General Manager of Brightstar Jamaica. “When young people see that they
can build cutting-edge robotics projects right here in Jamaica, work with
international partners like the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, and collaborate
with peers across the Caribbean, they begin to envision a future where
staying home means staying ahead.”


This year’s camp brought together over 40 students from five Caribbean
locations—Jamaica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US
Virgin Islands. The programme’s theme, “Coding Opens Doors,” took on
greater significance when viewed through the lens of regional development.
These doors do not only lead to individual opportunities; they open pathways
to transforming entire economies.


The multi-island approach is especially crucial. Instead of creating isolated
pockets of expertise, the programme fosters a connected network of young
innovators who view themselves as part of a larger Caribbean tech
ecosystem. This interconnectedness is essential for brain gain, as it shows
that remaining in the Caribbean does not mean working in isolation.
Amarez Huggins Delashley, from the camp’s 2024 cohort, notes: “The camp
helped me to solve problems more easily: this made me think logically and
solve complex problems. For example, solving a Rubik’s Cube, putting
together a complex puzzle, etc. The Robotics Camp taught me multiple
shortcuts, which are now helping me to easily access and use computers.”
The economic implications are profound. Traditional Caribbean
industries—tourism, agriculture, and financial services—are increasingly
reliant on technology. Young people trained in coding and robotics are not

just prepared for hypothetical future jobs; they are enabled to innovate
within existing industries and to develop entirely new ones.

“We’re witnessing the emergence of a generation that sees technology as a
tool for Caribbean empowerment, not escape. These students are learning
that they can build international-standard solutions while addressing
uniquely Caribbean challenges. That’s the foundation of sustainable brain
gain,” says Green.
The camp’s collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute enhances
academic rigour and local relevance in the curriculum. Students are not
merely acquiring generic programming skills; they are investigating how technology can tackle Caribbean-specific issues, such as climate resilience,
disaster preparedness, and sustainable tourism.


“Our partnership with Brightstar represents a critical shift in how we
approach technology education in the Caribbean. By providing coding and
robotics training in real Caribbean scenarios, from hurricane tracking,
general software development and coastal monitoring to environmental
stewardship, at MGI we help students see that some of the most exciting
technological opportunities exist right here at home. These young innovators
are not just learning to code; they are learning to build solutions for the
Caribbean and beyond.”


Fun fact: students from other islands are already envisioning projects that
could assist with oil spill clean-up—something that is very important for our
environment here.
The programme’s success is measured not only by the technical skills gained
but also by the changed perspectives about the Caribbean’s potential.
Participants leave with more than just coding knowledge; they carry a vision
of the Caribbean as a place where innovation thrives and where young talent
is nurtured.


The broader After School Advantage programme, which operates 38 centres
across the English-speaking Caribbean, provides the infrastructure for this
transformation. These centres ensure that the camp’s impact extends well
beyond two weeks, establishing year-round communities of learning and
innovation.


Programmes like Brightstar’s camp offer a path forward that does not
require choosing between progress and place. By investing in technology
education that is both world-class and locally relevant, Brightstar is not just
training programmers—they are cultivating the architects of our region’s
digital future.
The true measure of success for initiatives like this will not be reflected in
graduation statistics or job placement rates, but in the young Caribbean
professionals who, in ten years’ time, will be leading technology companies, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring the next generation—all
while calling the Caribbean home.

Students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Mandeville Centre participate in one of the Level II sessions during the 2025 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar

Young musicians exhibit impressive talent at Food For The Poor Band Camp closing ceremony

Stephanie Lyew, Public Relations Account Executive for the Sean Paul Foundation presents graduation certificate to Bjorn Hawthorne, Senior Band Camp member with focus on the Keyboard. The graduation ceremony for the annual Band Camp was held on Thursday, August 21 on the grounds of Food For The Poor. The summer camp, which commenced on Monday, July 21, took in sixty students from St. Catherine and surrounding areas to develop their skills and talents in playing musical instruments. 

The Food For The Poor (FFTP) annual Band Camp closing ceremony was held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 with rousing performances from the participants in the summer camp, held under the theme “Where Passion Meets Purpose: Saluting the Next Generation of Musicians”. 

The camp, held on the grounds of FFTP in St.Catherine, brought together sixty talented youths from across the island, providing them with hands-on training in various musical disciplines including brass, percussion, woodwinds, and strings. Led by experienced music instructors, the four-week programme focused not only on technical ability but also on discipline, teamwork, and creative expression.

“The Band Camp is about more than learning to play an instrument,” said Camp Director Jeffrey Brown. “It’s about giving our youth a platform to grow, express themselves, and dream bigger; today’s performances are proof of what can happen when we invest in their potential.”

Over the course of the camp, students benefited from mentorship, instrument care workshops, and opportunities to collaborate on musical pieces. The initiative forms part of FFTP’s ongoing commitment to youth development, providing safe and inspiring spaces for creativity to thrive.

The closing ceremony featured graduates of the camp showcasing their achievements through stirring ensemble performances and vibrant renditions. 

Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica remarked, “The Band Camp stands as a testament to the power of nurturing talent. The musical excellence on display is exceptional and it reflects the hard work of the students and mentors. This initiative goes beyond music; it is helping to build character and create brighter futures for our youth.”

The organisation is marking its 15th year of the camp and has influenced many of their students to establish their own music classes as a source of income.

FFTP Jamaica expresses gratitude to the sponsors: dancehall artiste Sean Paul and prominent goods production company, Wisynco; camp volunteers; and families whose support made the Band Camp a success. 

Digicel Foundation Supports Special Needs Students with Back-to-School Supplies

Jamilia Crooks-Brown, Digicel Foundation’s Special Needs and Education Programme Manager (right), shows Leo, a student at St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf, and his mother, Karen Murphy, some of the items in his new backpack, courtesy of the Foundation. Watching with joy is Natalee Walker (left), the school’s guidance counsellor

As the new school year approaches, the Digicel Foundation is helping to ensure that students with special needs head back to the classroom equipped and empowered.
The Foundation visited three special needs institutions to hand over back-to-school
supplies as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusive education. The schools visited
include the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston, Catherine Hall Primary
Special Education Unit in St. James, and St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf in St.
Ann.


Each school received essential school supplies such as backpacks, writing tools,
notebooks, and other learning materials tailored to meet the needs of students living
with disabilities. “Every child deserves a fair start, and for students with special needs, access to the right resources can make a world of difference,” said Jamilia Crooks-Brown, Special Needs and Education Programme Manager at the Digicel Foundation. “The visits are part of the Foundation’s wider back-to-school outreach, aligned with its core mission to create a world where no one gets left behind.”


Since 2004, the Digicel Foundation has invested over US$12.09 million in special needs
and has built or renovated 21 special needs schools, trained over 390 teachers,
parents, and caregivers, and impacted more than 170,000 lives.
“We are especially proud to stand with our special needs community as the new school
year begins,” added Crooks-Brown. “We’ll continue to advocate for inclusive education,
invest in accessible learning spaces, and celebrate the potential in every child.”

Caribbean brain gain

How coding initiatives encourage educated youth to stay local

A student adjusts a humanoid robot during the fifth annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar. The hands-on curriculum, developed in partnership with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, is part of a STEM initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technological literacy among Jamaican youth.

FOR decades, the Caribbean has watched its brightest talents migrate to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, pursuing opportunities that seemed unattainable at home. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding across our islands, one that is transforming the story of Caribbean youth and their future prospects.

Brightstar Lottery’s fifth annual Brightstar Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, which took place from July 14 to 25, 2025, is more than just a technology education programme — it’s a strategic investment in increasing brain gain in our region.The concept of “brain gain” has become increasingly relevant as Caribbean nations recognise that retaining educated talent is crucial for sustainable development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on economic incentives, Brightstar’s innovative camp tackles the root cause: the perception that meaningful technology careers do not exist in the Caribbean.

“We’re not just teaching students to code — we’re showing them that the Caribbean can be a launchpad for global innovation,” explains Debbie Green, general manager of Brightstar Jamaica. “When young people see that they can build cutting edge robotics projects right here in Jamaica, work with international partners like the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, and collaborate with peers across the Caribbean, they begin to envision a future where staying home means staying ahead.”This year’s camp brought together over 40 students from five Caribbean locations — Jamaica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. The programme’s theme, ‘Coding Opens Doors’, took on greater significance when viewed through the lens of regional development. These doors do not only lead to individual opportunities — they open pathways to transforming entire economies.

The multi-island approach is especially crucial. Instead of creating isolated pockets of expertise, the programme fosters a connected network of young innovators who view themselves as part of a larger Caribbean tech ecosystem. This interconnectedness is essential for brain gain as it shows that remaining in the Caribbean does not mean working in isolation.Amarez Huggins Delashley, from the camp’s 2024 cohort, notes, “The camp helped me to solve problems more easily; this made me think logically and solve complex problems. For example, solving a Rubik’s cube, putting together a complex puzzle, etc, the robotics camp taught me multiple shortcuts which are now helping me to easily access and use computers.”

The economic implications are profound. Traditional Caribbean industries — tourism, agriculture, and financial services — are increasingly reliant on technology. Young people trained in coding and robotics are not just prepared for hypothetical future jobs, they are enabled to innovate within existing industries and to develop entirely new ones.“We’re witnessing the emergence of a generation that sees technology as a tool for Caribbean empowerment, not escape. These students are learning that they can build international-standard solutions while addressing uniquely Caribbean challenges. That’s the foundation of sustainable brain gain,” says Green.

The camp’s collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute enhances academic rigour and local relevance in the curriculum. Students are not merely acquiring generic programming skills, they are investigating how technology can tackle Caribbean-specific issues such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable tourism.

“Our partnership with Brightstar represents a critical shift in how we approach technology education in the Caribbean. By providing coding and robotics training in real Caribbean scenarios — from hurricane tracking, general software development and coastal monitoring to environmental stewardship — at MGI we help students see that some of the most exciting technological opportunities exist right here at home. These young innovators are not just learning to code, they are learning to build solutions for the Caribbean and beyond.”

Fun fact: Students from other islands are already envisioning projects that could assist with oil spill clean-up — something that is very important for our environment here.The programme’s success is measured not only by the technical skills gained but also by the changed perspectives about the Caribbean’s potential. Participants leave with more than just coding knowledge, they carry a vision of the Caribbean as a place where innovation thrives and where young talent is nurtured.

The broader After School Advantage programme, which operates 38 centres across the English-speaking Caribbean, provides the infrastructure for this transformation. These centres ensure that the camp’s impact extends well beyond two weeks, establishing year-round communities of learning and innovation.

Programmes like Brightstar’s camp offer a path forward that does not require choosing between progress and place. By investing in technology education that is both world-class and locally relevant, Brightstar is not just training programmers — they are cultivating the architects of our region’s digital future.

The true measure of success for initiatives like this will not be reflected in graduation statistics or job placement rates, but in the young Caribbean professionals who, in 10 years’ time, will be leading technology companies, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring the next generation — all while calling the Caribbean home.

Students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Mandeville branch participate in one of the level II sessions during the 2025 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar..

Safeguarding Legacies: CCRP hosts Estate Planning Forum for Seniors

Ms Lona Brown, retired Administrator General

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Friday, July 18, 2025: The seniors’ advocacy organization, CCRP is continuing its mission to inform and educate Jamaica’s senior citizens through a series of meetings on various topics. The organization’s third online meeting on estate planning was held on Wednesday 16th July with retired Administrator General Lona Brown and attorney at law Alicia Hussey making a presentation on ‘Estate Planning and Trust Management’.

With a wealth of legal expertise in estate planning, Ms. Hussey delivered an engaging and informative presentation designed to help participants understand the legal tools available to safeguard their assets, minimize family conflict, and ensure their wishes are clearly and legally documented.

Ensuring Validity: The Fundamentals of Wills

Ms. Hussey outlined the essential elements of a valid Will, emphasizing that it must be in writing, signed by the testator (or someone acting under their direction in their presence), and witnessed by two individuals who are present at the same time. While Wills can be revised during the testator’s lifetime, they only take legal effect upon death. Failure to execute a Will properly can result in disputes or render the document invalid.

Testamentary Freedom and Its Legal Boundaries

While Jamaican law upholds an individual’s right to distribute their estate as they see fit, certain protections are afforded to dependents. Ms. Hussey explained that spouses, common-law partners, former spouses, children under 18 or enrolled full-time in university under age 23, and dependent parents may be legally entitled to reasonable provision. “Individuals should consider these legal obligations when creating their Wills to avoid potential disruptions to their estates after death,” Ms. Hussey advised.

Navigating the Basics of Estate Planning

The discussion addressed several practical considerations, including the importance of including a residuary clause to ensure no assets are inadvertently excluded from the Will. It was clarified that some assets, such as life insurance policies or bank accounts with named beneficiaries, do not need to be included in a Will. The legal concept of joint tenancy was also explained, where property held jointly passes directly to the surviving owner, regardless of the Will’s content. Ms. Hussey further distinguished between outright gifts, trusts, and revocable living trusts, emphasizing the flexibility and control these instruments offer in different circumstances.

Trusts, Companies, and Legacy Protection

Retired Administrator General Lona Brown highlighted the role of trusts in protecting and managing assets for intellectually challenged or dependent family members. Noting that the establishment of a company can also be a strategic tool in estate planning, seniors are encouraged to seek legal advice on the possibility of setting up a venture to continue legacy protection. The discussion also explored the legal implications of common disasters, transfer taxes upon death, and the risks of improper witnessing, such as having a beneficiary serve as a witness to a Will.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The session concluded with strong encouragement for seniors to consult qualified legal professionals when drafting or updating their estate plans, especially when managing complex family dynamics or significant assets. 

“We are grateful to Ms. Brown and Ms. Hussey of Hussey Legal who gave expert guidance on such matters that impact their lives most deeply,” said Jean Lowrie-Chin, Founder and Executive Chair of CCRP. “This session on estate planning will help our seniors plan for the future distribution of their assets with confidence.” 

Previous presentations to CCRP members on estate planning were made by attorney at law Dawn Campbell-Douglas and representatives of Dunn Cox.

Ms Alicia Hussey, Attorney-at-Law and Senior Partner, Hussey Legal

Service without fanfare

Jean Lowrie-Chin

Some of the elderly are being robbed of their pensions by family members.

While we celebrate the first step towards legislation to protect older people, the need is so urgent that a committee was recently convened by CCRP, a seniors advocacy organisation, with representatives of leading government organisations.

We discovered that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Charmaine Shand, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, Garran Diviney of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Training Division, and Jay Scott of the investigative branch of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) have been serving Jamaica’s elderly without any fanfare.ACP Shand, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety and Security Branch noted, “Some of the challenges that I see is that [the elderly] really are left on their own by their communities. We have urged family or neighbours to assist them when they visit clinics.” She said that sometimes they are hurt on the road and the police have difficulty in contacting family members.

The JCF has been assisting CCRP in our outreach activities, distributing care packages to the needy elderly in volatile inner-city areas.ACP Shand shared that the JCF has community and safety officers in every division and would be happy to participate in meetings with stakeholders to have oversight of our vulnerable elderly to ensure that they are not left on their own.

NDTC returns with bold new works, beloved classics

The company in Rex Nettleford’s Kumina (1971).

The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) returns to the stage with its 63rd Season of Dance, running from July 18 to August 10 at the Little Theatre in St Andrew.

Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with a special matinee for children on Friday, August 1 at 2:00 pm honouring children in State care and welcoming all children to attend.

This season, the NDTC promises a thrilling mix of beloved masterpieces and exciting new creations. Audiences will once again revel in the timeless brilliance of the late Professor Rex Nettleford’s iconic works:
Kumina (1971), a pulsating celebration of Jamaican spirituality and identity; and Ritual of the Sunrise (1998), a lyrical invocation of renewal and awakening.

The company will also debut five compelling new works, including pieces by emerging local choreographers and distinguished international collaborators. Mattu Perry expands his hauntingly poetic Clipped and Fallen (2025), first glimpsed during the NDTC’s Morning of Movement and Music in April of this year.

Shavaughn Byndloss unveils Home (2025), a poignant meditation on loss and belonging, commissioned by the Phillip and Christine Gore Family Foundation. International guest choreographers Avree Walker and Radnell Marin Pedraza will present Bloom: On Earth As It Is In Heaven (2025), commissioned by Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. The work explores the ethos and enduring legacy of the NDTC, weaving together the rich vocabulary of the African Diaspora with contemporary and Caribbean folk forms. Adding to the diversity of the programme, American choreographer Crystal Frazier brings a bold new voice to the NDTC stage, blending Afro-Diasporic movement with hip hop as a central technique to create Also returning by popular demand is Flight (2014) by Garfield Lemonius, which received critical acclaim in last year’s season for its emotive storytelling and choreographic finesse.

In a spirited contribution from the NDTC’s singers and musicians, Dr Kathy Brown’s lively arrangement conFUSION (2025) takes a witty musical dive into the age-old drama of community gossip and those who fuel it.

Other highlights of the season include …minutes and seconds (2008), a poetic work by KerryAnn Henry and Momo Sanno; and Don’t Leave Me (2013) by Jamie Thompson, adding emotional and choreographic depth to the season’s offerings.

Speaking about the season, NDTC Artistic Director Marlon D Simms remarked, “This season, the NDTC presents a fresh, artistically rich and entertaining programme. It is diverse, eclectic, and emotionally layered; every audience member will find something to connect with. Whether it’s the return of timeless favourites or the debut of bold new voices, you’ll see the NDTC as you’ve never seen us before.”

The company remains steadfast in its mission to support nation-building through the arts. Proceeds from the season will benefit a wide range of charitable organisations dedicated to health, education,youth development, cancer care, and community upliftment. Beneficiaries this year include Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), Jamcoders, ICAN Foundation, Christ Church, St John the Evangelist, St Catherine High School Past Students Association, Wolmer’s Girls’ Alumnae, Jamdammers Running Club, Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice, Herlene Williams Scholarship Fund, Eve for Life, Kiwanis Club, and Dynamic Connections Scholarship Fund.
Ascend (2023), an innovative and inclusive direction for the company.

Kerry-Ann Henry and Mark Phinn in Flight (2014), choroegraphed by Garfield Lemonius.

How new schools should be designed

Architect recommends flexible, adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills

Ravi Sittol, principal and founder of Sittol Architects and Associates, speaking at last Friday’s event staged by the National Education Trust (NET) at the Overseas Examination Commission to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica. (Joseph Wellington)

A local architect has proposed that new school buildings be designed into flexible and adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills.

Ravi Sittol, founder and principal of Sittol Architects and Associates, made the recommendation in a presentation on Friday to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica.The event, titled ‘Engage 360: The New Building Standards for Schools’, was hosted by the National Education Trust (NET) at the the Overseas Examination Commission in Kingston.

“We are speaking about integrative technology, inclusive design, comfort and well-being. Modern education increasingly moves beyond traditional teaching methods. Teaching methods are changing and we need to adapt, embracing more flexible, informal and collaborative learning spaces,” Sittol argued.“Learning is no longer confined to the classroom. Instead, it occurs across a variety of settings, encouraging exploration, creativity and connection. Learning…happens along the corridors, outside in the green areas where children are playing. They could be in the corridor where there is a breakout space,” Sittol suggested.

Pointing out that newer building models feature more adaptable furniture that can be changed to suit different lecture styles and settings, Sittol stated that in outdoor areas the setting does not have to be typical with a jungle gym and swing sets.He said the new building standards recommend “different materials and textures” so learning can happen in different locations.

Another design parameter highlighted by Sittol is the facilitation of future expansions at schools.

“You may plan for 500 students and as population increases and communities develop, you need to have modular designs, service distribution, structural consideration, master planning, vertical planning and growth, phase in plans and interim land views. The design of educational facilities must anticipate and accommodate future growth.

“Strategic planning during the initial design phase can ensure that buildings are capable of expansion, adaptation or reconfiguration without requiring major infrastructural alterations. These flexibilities support long-term cost efficiency, sustainability and responsiveness to changing academic demands,” he said.

Sittol also raised the issue of climate resilience, saying that newer buildings must be designed in a way to minimise economic loss and costly repairs during times of extreme weather.

“As Jamaica and the world confront the increasing impacts of global climate change, including rising air and sea temperatures and more intense hurricanes, there is a critical need to establish resilient building standards. Schools, especially in Jamaica which often serve as emergency shelters, must be designed to ensure the safety and protection of occupants during and after such events,” Sittol stated.

Digicel Foundation gifts smart lab to NAZ Children’s Centre

Lenard Lawrence of Transcendence Construction Limited gives a progress update on the new smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre to Kristalle Chin (centre), general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+, and Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels during a site visit.

DIGICEL Foundation has taken another step in its mission to create a digitally inclusive Jamaica with the start of construction of a state-of-the-art smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

The lab, co-funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is designed to support students with special needs and is one of several being rolled out islandwide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

“Every child deserves access to technology and the future it brings,” said Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.

“As a foundation, we are prioritising the communities that are often overlooked, because we believe digital inclusion is a right,” added Daniels.The smart lab at NAZ will be equipped with laptops, tablets, a MIMIO-compatible smart board, a printer, and assistive software tailored to children with diverse learning needs.“This smart lab will allow our children to learn and explore more, especially children on the spectrum. The lab will give them an opportunity to use technology in a guided way,” said Alixann Narcisse-Campbell, principal and director of NAZ Children’s Centre.

“For years we have dreamed of a space like this. We’re grateful to the Digicel Foundation for making it a reality and for valuing the unique potential of every child,” added Narcisse-Campbell.

The establishment of the NAZ Children’s Centre Smart Lab coincides with Digicel’s wider infrastructure development in Montego Bay, where the company is laying underground fibre to support the growing demand for reliable high-speed Internet in western Jamaica.

“Digicel’s fibre expansion is a game-changer, especially for students and teachers at NAZ who’ll now enjoy a seamless online experience,” said Kristalle Chin, Digicel’s general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+.

“With our fibre now reaching Montego Bay, we’re empowering digital spaces such as the foundation’s smart labs and boosting digital access across western Jamaica,” added Chin.