Over 300 adolescents have eagerly embraced UNICEF’s FunDoo, a pioneering life skills coach, within 24 hours of its launch on December 6.

The dynamic chatbot, aligned with the 21st Century Skills Framework, addresses crucial soft skills like emotional management, strength identification, and mentorship seeking.

The challenge given by the UNICEF team at the launch event was met with enthusiasm, as not only did 300 youth sign up, but 200 of them actively engaged in mentorship tasks. The parish of St Catherine emerged as the frontrunner, boasting the highest number of sign-ups.

Females constituted more than 70 per cent of the registrants, underlining a significant interest from young women in accessing this innovative tool.

FunDoo’s launch was made possible through a partnership with the HEART NSTA Trust, backed by sponsors such as FLOW, Digicel, and Project STAR. The initiative also received endorsements from the Ministry of Education and Youth, as well as the minister with responsibility for skills and digital transformation.

Olga Isaza, UNICEF Jamaica representative, speaking at FunDoo’s unveiling, emphasised UNICEF’s commitment to engaging the youth, particularly those not currently employed, enrolled in school, or part of any training programme.

“We are helping young people transition into these opportunities,” she said.

During her keynote address, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister of skills and digital transformation, lauded UNICEF’s exemplary commitment to the welfare and development of Jamaican children, stressing the importance of cultivating soft skills as a true measure of preparedness for the working world.

FunDoo, now accessible via WhatsApp, joins other youth-focused services on the U-Report platform, including U-Matter, a 24/7 mental health chatline, and Yute Chatz, providing information on sexual and reproductive health rights.

U-Report, a global UNICEF initiative operating in 95 countries, actively involves over 200 Jamaican youth, ensuring the chatbot was tailored to local needs.

Young individuals interested in this life-changing chatbot can sign up by texting “FunDoo” to UNICEF’s U-Report WhatsApp number, 876-838-4897.