Williams advocates for greater opportunities for girls in ICT
Published:Wednesday | April 17, 2024 | 12:10 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
“We are championing a movement,” declared Education and Youth Minister Fayval Williams on Tuesday as she addressed the CREATHER Girls in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) media launch held at the Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS).
Noting that with technology constantly altering how society functions, Williams said there is a need for a movement recognising young women’s potential, creativity, and brilliance while helping to increase their chances for success as they are often viewed as a minority in the industry.
“In a world where gender stereotypes persist, you have boldly stepped forward to showcase your skills and expertise,” she said, addressing the young ladies from Mona High School, The Queen’s School, Vauxhall High, and the host school, ICHS.
She told them that since “success is not defined by the absence of failure, but rather by the courage to preserver in the face of it”, they should cherish every moment of adversity that they will encounter on their journey, and advised them to make the most of the networking opportunities and engaging workshops offered throughout their training.
The CREATHER Girls in ICT is a month-long programme that commences in April and is led by E-Learning Jamaica in partnership with STEAMHouse – an education hub that brings to life concepts and principles of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through integrated project-based approaches.
The programme has targeted girls across Jamaica and the Caribbean, according to Andrew Lee, CEO of E-Learning Jamaica and will include stimulating ICT-related challenges and activities, culminating in an ICT hackathon on April 25 – International Girls in ICT Day.
He went on to say that high school girls would get the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork during the hackathon.
“At E-Learning of course we are deeply committed to enabling a future for our country powered by technology and innovation,” he said.
Lee went on to say that although brilliant minds of all genders were needed for “true innovation,” he wanted to honour our girls who, for whatever reason, tended to shy away from pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“I encourage you to dream big, don’t be afraid to explore the exciting world of technology. There are no limits to what you can achieve,” he added.
Beyond the programme’s media launch on Tuesday, Godiva Golding, CEO of STEAMHouse, said that a Girls in ICT school tour will kick off shortly combined with a variety of workshops held at high schools in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Montego Bay.
“We want to bring all of that to you so at the end of the day, we can build a new story, a story of innovators, a story where you know that you have the resources to really propel some of your bold ideas forward,” she said.