In a bold move to empower Jamaica’s next generation, a dynamic summer initiative has brought together teens from Rose Gardens, Parade Gardens, May Pen, and Savanna-la-Mar for a transformative five-day experience unlike any other.
Branded not just as a camp but as a launchpad for untapped potential, this program immersed youths aged 13–16 in the worlds of business innovation, technology, self-mastery, and creative expression. Each session was designed to do one thing—prepare these future leaders to defy limitation and take control of their own economic and personal narratives.
Gone are the days of idle summers. These young Jamaicans engaged in high-impact workshops spanning artificial intelligence, mobile tech entrepreneurship, branding, and financial literacy. The curriculum extended beyond academics to real-world empowerment: from learning how to prototype a business idea, to understanding how digital tools shape the future economy.
One participant, Saija Kelly, age 12, left with more than notebooks. “It opened my eyes to business,” she said. “I now see paths I never considered.” Meanwhile, 17-year-old Jayvyn Small praised the hands-on AI session and the roadmap to launching a mobile business—skills he plans to apply directly as he begins his engineering studies at Excelsior Community College.
Led by a coalition of changemakers—from media powerhouses to grassroots educators—the camp offered direct mentorship. Highlights included live workshops with motivational leader Emprezz Golding, financial education sessions with the Ministry of Education’s Jason Ricketts, and immersive training in artistry, carpentry, and AI applications from local innovators.
Crucially, these teens didn’t just learn—they showcased. The final day expo saw them pitch business ideas, exhibit skills, and win seed support to continue their journeys. From skincare lines to digital startups, the energy was electric.
Beyond the excitement, the mission was clear: dismantle the pipeline from neglect to vulnerability and replace it with one of growth, purpose, and leadership.
“Our aim is to spark a movement,” said one of the coordinators. “What began as a camp is now a ripple of transformation through entire communities.”
What Jamaica witnessed this summer wasn’t just education—it was ignition. And those flames are still burning.
