Forty graduates from across Jamaica were celebrated recently as iamtheCODE Caribbean marked the successful completion of its inaugural digital skills training programme, with learners overcoming the challenges of Hurricane Melissa, unreliable internet access and limited resources to prepare for careers in the digital economy.

The End of Cohort 1 Celebration, held at the Spanish Court Hotel, recognised learners who completed the programme’s eight core modules in coding, digital literacy, project management, design thinking, and communication skills. Delivered at no cost to participants, through the support of the Digicel Foundation and the National Baking Company Foundation, the programme attracted 375 applications, enrolled 164 learners, and saw 85 participants acquire at least one new digital skill. Forty-two per cent of graduates came from outside Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine, while women represented 92 per cent of programme completers.

Opening the ceremony, Nadeen Matthews Blair, Co-Founder of iamtheCODE Caribbean, praised the resilience of the inaugural cohort. “Our learners completed this programme while caring for ill family members, raising children, attending school, and holding down jobs. They studied late at night and early in the morning and in whatever hours were available between their obligations and the internet being available. Their persistence is the defining story of this cohort.”

As the programme moves into its next phase, iamtheCODE Caribbean is compiling a résumé database of graduates seeking employment to strengthen connections between learners and prospective employers, supporting its commitment to creating pathways to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, underscored the importance of digital education to Jamaica’s future. “These are more than academic subjects. They are tools for the future workforce… They position Jamaica and Jamaicans to compete in a global digital economy.” 

Representatives from the Digicel Foundation, National Baking Company Foundation, and the Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA) also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital opportunities for young Jamaicans. Speakers encouraged graduates to continue building their skills and challenged them to become creators of technology, not simply consumers.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of certificates and recognition of outstanding learners, while partners reaffirmed their support for future cohorts. Building on the success of Cohort 1, iamtheCODE Caribbean is preparing to launch its next cohort with enhanced learner support, additional in-person engagement opportunities, and stronger pathways to employment and scholarships.