‘Pixels of Possibility’
Almost 120 young Jamaicans graduate from JET Project with digital and life skills
THE second cohort from the Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth Through Empowerment and Training (JET) Project conducted by the Trust for the Americas, through its Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) programme, is now ready to help upgrade Jamaica’s labour market.
Building upon the success of the inaugural cohort of 14 youth, the JET Project has witnessed an extraordinary increase in graduates, with 118 young Jamaicans graduating recently.
The JET Project prioritises employability and upskilling strategies to build a resilient labour market in light of the rapid expansion of the digital technology landscape which poses challenges for young people disproportionately affected by the mismatch between their digital skills and those in demand by the labour market.
In her address to the graduates, Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, expressed her elation at the exponential growth of the JET Project.
“The achievements of our JET Project graduates are a beacon of potential and resilience. I’m proud to witness their transformation into ‘Pixels of Possibility’ for Jamaica, ready to shine in the digital economy,” said Eddleman.
The NCB Foundation, a key donor, also lauded the project’s success with its programme administrator Jamilia Crooks-brown adding: “As we celebrate the one-year milestone of our partnership with the JET Project, we’re reminded of the transformative power of digital empowerment. Together, we’ve ignited a journey of innovation, equipping individuals to become digital producers and drive sustainable economic growth to shape a brighter future for all.”
In her testimonial, Onieka Young, a member of the second cohort, shared her gratitude for the opportunities afforded by the JET Project and the profound impact it has had on her life.
“Without a doubt, the JET Project has effectively equipped me with essential digital skills necessary for navigating today’s professional landscape,” said Young.
The JET Project is a collaborative effort implemented by The Trust for the Americas with financial support from the NCB Foundation, Microsoft, Citi Foundation, and the IDB LAB.
The project is also powered by the leadership of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Caribbean School of Data, and the Ministry of Education and Youth.