Local telecoms provider FLOW hosted a major ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday to highlight the work and efforts of teachers of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) under the theme: ‘Shaping Nextgen Jamaica’.

“ICT teachers, educators, and by extension the schools, have the responsibility of imparting knowledge about technology and its uses, but also instilling values and etiquette, bringing awareness of the responsibilities that come with its use, and making sure that students understand the consequences of their online actions,” said FLOW Director for Business Operations Rhys Campbell.

Notable figures attending the function were Minister of Science and Technology Daryl Vaz, FLOW Vice President and General Manager Stephen Pryce, and various ICT teachers and students from schools across the island’s 14 parishes.

Pryce said that Information Communications and Technology teachers were shaping the future of Jamaica, imparting key knowledge to the next generation, which would be invaluable in the race to stay current and competitive locally, regionally, and internationally.

“Digital literacy is not just a philanthropic focus for the FLOW Foundation; it is a national imperative. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2027, 75% of companies will need to adopt digital technology. Closer to home, the National Development Bank has reported that Latin America and the Caribbean could create over 10 million jobs by 2030 if the region strengthens its digital [infrastructure],” Pryce said.

Pryce clarified that it was his strong belief that only by instilling the proper mentality and knowledge amongst the youth would Jamaica be in a position to properly exploit the upcoming opportunities. To contribute to making this a reality, his organisation had offered free Digital Classes to improve digital literacy, as well as the “Jump” programme, aimed at creating a more digitally-minded and interconnected society across the island.

In addition to these operations, Pryce announced that going forward, FLOW planned to introduce a new National Initiative, which would be focused on finding an “Information Communications Technology Teacher of the Year”, beginning in 2026. Under such an arrangement, the winner would receive a personal grant from FLOW to facilitate the growth and expansion of ICT equipment and facilities in their school, alongside national recognition for the excellence that they had put into their work.

“We must recognise that the path to our Vision 2020 goals of creating a knowledge-based based infusive economy runs directly through the hands of ICT teachers. This annual [ICT] award will recognise the most outstanding ICT teacher in Jamaica, someone who has gone above and beyond the use of technology, to inspire, educate and empower their students,” he said.

Miss Oshin Grant from Immaculate Conception High School, alongside her student Oksana Smith, with members of the FLOW Team.