Young People Encouraged to Leverage Technology to Develop Innovative Solutions

More young Jamaicans are being encouraged to leverage technology to develop innovative solutions, contribute to national development, and become creators rather than merely consumers of digital content.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Universal Service Fund (USF), Charlton McFarlane, said the organisation’s investments are intended to equip Jamaicans with the tools and opportunities needed to participate in an increasingly digital society.

“Technology is not just about having access to a device. It is about what you are able to do with that access, the opportunities it creates, and how you use it to improve your life and the lives of others,” Mr. McFarlane said.

He was speaking at the recent Connect-a-Child Awards Ceremony, held in Kingston, where 630 students across Jamaica received free tablets from the USF.

Mr. McFarlane said young people should take advantage of technology to pursue areas such as research, coding, animation, engineering, science and entrepreneurship, while developing solutions to problems in their communities.

“Don’t allow the tablet to be the smartest thing you own. You must always be smarter than the technology you use. Ask questions. Think critically. Be curious. Explore. Create as much as you consume,” he urged.

Mr. McFarlane said the USF is also developing young people’s exposure to technology through ICT clubs established in more than 35 secondary schools.

He said the organisation’s wider digital inclusion efforts, including free public Wi-Fi and Community Access Points, are intended to expand opportunities for Jamaicans in communities across the country.

The CEO said these initiatives form part of the USF’s mandate to improve the lives of persons who are unserved and underserved and help them to benefit from Jamaica’s growing digital landscape.