Following its partnership with the HEART NSTA/Trust in January, to train coding and software development skills to young Jamaicans, the Amber Group is now partnering with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to introduce coding in schools via a pilot programme to promote and develop the teaching and learning of coding in public schools across Jamaica.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two entities, 2,000 students from grades four and nine from 20 primary and secondary schools respectively across the island will benefit from this initiative.

Speaking at the official signing of the MOU on Friday, May 7, Head of Sales and Business Development Floyd Garrett, emphasised Amber’s commitment to developing the necessary software development skills to fast track the incorporation of technology for growth and innovation in Jamaica and the region.

“Software has become the mainframe in which societies and governments develop and evolve; therefore, it is very fitting that this is a government supported initiative with Amber, for software skills development that will in turn help the country of Jamaica and the region,” he said.

MASTER CODERS ASSIST IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The coding curriculum was developed in conjunction with master coders from the Amber Group, who will also tutor students for three hours weekly in a virtual classroom. Students will be taught the fundamentals of coding, learn problem solving skills, expand their creativity and improve communication. The Pilot Coding in Schools Programme started three weeks ago with close to 500 students already enrolled.

Amber’s multimillion-dollar investment is a continuation of its thrust in engaging youth to transform the country into the next technological hub of the Caribbean. The technology conglomerate remains committed to supporting the Government as it responds to the evolving changes in education and the needs of students making them agile and ready for contemporary and emerging jobs, regardless of their backgrounds and starting points in life.

“Globally we are on the cusp of a digital era, where technology is at the forefront. At this stage, Jamaica has all the necessary tools and people at our disposal and just needs to equip them with initiatives like the Amber coding academy and help fulfil their vision to enable us to fulfil the overall vision for Jamaica today, tomorrow and beyond,” Garrett added.