Education Minister Fayval Williams is urging young Jamaicans to harness “four superpowers” as they seek to equip themselves to innovate and prepare for technology jobs of the future.
She explained that curiosity, consciousness, collaboration and creativity are key qualities students need to function in a technology-driven society.
“If someone had not wondered why we can’t fly, we probably would not have the luxury of air travel today. There are a whole host of inventions that we have and use in our daily lives, but did you consider that all of those inventions probably came about because they started with a question in the minds of curious individuals?” she asked.
Williams was addressing the inaugural staging of Teen Tech Ja on Wednesday at Wolmer’s Boys’ School in Kingston. The event was held under the theme ‘The Future is Here! Are You Ready?’.
Some 1,500 students from high schools across Jamaica were in attendance at the event which was hosted by EduHub Company Limited.
Williams explained that learning new things, finding interesting problems, and generating creative solutions all require uninterrupted attention.
“There was a study done that said the average person checks their phone every two minutes. Our devices are useful, but they distract us. Use your devices, but stay conscious,” the education minister charged.
Further, she said collaboration is critical to technological innovation, as opposed to the idolised version of a “lone scientist”.
Williams also added that creativity does not always require creating something new but rather finding ways to simplify an existing process.
During the opening ceremony, Kavelle Hylton, CEO of STEM Builders, introduced participants to emerging technologies like intelligent exoskeleton that could help people with mobility impairments, and necrobotics, which is the practice of using dead organisms as robotic components.
She shared that a career in technology will allow students to collaborate or work for global organisations, work with the brightest minds around the world, set the standards for how technology should be used, and allow them to make a real impact on the world.
“We must invest in technology to power the human enterprise of the future. Imagine what Jamaica will look like if we harness all of our innovative ideas in food security, education and health,” Hylton said.
Host principal Dwight Pennycooke underscored the view that the conference provides a unique opportunity to enhance career awareness among students.
“In today’s ever-evolving world, technology and innovation have become the driving force behind economic growth and development. In fact, the Government’s investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and the implementation of various programmes to promote STEM education focus, that includes the provision of full tuition scholarships aimed at preparing 1,250 new STEM teachers over the next five years, will significantly contribute to the development of the nation, but there is much more to be done to ensure that you, our young people, have the skills and expertise to meet the demands of the 21st-century job market,” Pennycooke remarked.
He added that the teen technology conference is expected to play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and the industry, as participants learn about new technological advancements, explore careers, and interact with professionals in their fields of interest.