The European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched a video competition targeting grades 11, 12 and 13 students in high schools with active information and communications technology (ICT) clubs. 

Students are invited to create a three-minute video exploring the impact of digital technology on future jobs and how Jamaica’s education system can prepare them with digital skills for success.

Each participating ICT Club, comprising up to four students, is allowed one entry.

The winning team and their teacher will receive an exclusive trip to the Belgian capital Brussels, this summer.

The top three ICT Clubs will receive trophies and medals, while certificates of participation will be awarded to all entrants.

Entries will be judged for creativity, originality, content accuracy and social media engagement. The submission deadline is 5:00 pm on April 16.

In her address during Wednesday’s (February 19) launch at the EU Delegation Office in New Kingston, Minister of Education and Youth Dr Dana Morris Dixon, described the competition as an exciting opportunity.

“Today represents a chance for our students to showcase how digital technology is reshaping their future, and they’re put at the centre of the exercise, which is really great because, so often, it’s us in a room divorced from the students thinking this is what they want and this is what they need,” Morris Dixon said.

She urged students to embrace the opportunity and to tell their stories creatively as they prepare their entries.

Meanwhile, Morris Dixon expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support to Jamaica across multiple areas.

“You’ve been very integral on the digital transformation side. You’ve been a great partner to us. The Digital Jamaica Programme, a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, is a testament to the strong partnership between Jamaica and the European Union,” she said, adding that 271 schools and 18 children’s homes will be facilitated with Internet access under the programme.

Aniceto Rodríguez Ruiz, head of cooperation for the EU Delegation, reasoned that participation in the competition will help students to think critically.

“It will help them to develop problem-solving skills as they assess challenges and propose innovative solutions and help them prepare for real-world scenarios,” he said.

Ruiz said he anticipates high-quality entries and wished the participants the best.

“The European Union’s support for digital transformation in Jamaica’s education sector represents a shared commitment to innovation, to access, to empowerment for all Jamaican students. Together, the EU and Jamaica are paving the way for a more knowledgeable, skilled and inclusive Jamaican society, ready to tackle the challenges, not of tomorrow but of today, with confidence,” he added.

For his part, USF chief executive Charlton McFarlane noted that the education landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, adding that investing in connectivity is critical to ensuring students’ success.

“We must recognise that technology is a powerful enabler. It is our responsibility as educators, as policymakers and innovative thinkers to use it to empower the next generation of learners and leaders. The future of education is digital and it is a future that is within our reach,” McFarlane underscored