CyberKids Coding Camp ignites tech spark in Clarendon youth

Twenty-five children, ages seven to 11, have been introduced to the world of computer programming and digital problem-solving through the CyberKids Coding Camp, launched this summer in Clarendon with classes led entirely by two lower sixth-form students.

CyberKids, founded by Campion College students Ricardo Edwards and Khalil McCalla, in collaboration with their friend Zidane Gordon from Glenmuir High School, was created to bridge the digital divide by providing high-quality tech education to children in communities beyond Jamaica’s Corporate Area.

“I was inspired to launch CyberKids because I saw the untapped potential in our children, especially those living outside of the Corporate Area,” said Edwards, the initiative’s lead instructor. “I wanted to show that excellence in computing and innovation isn’t limited to big cities – it can begin anywhere.”

The camp, which ran from July 14-31, engaged participants in hands-on lessons in Python programming, computer ethics, and team-based problem-solving. Of the 25 students enrolled, 17 completed the full programme, leaving with new-found confidence and curiosity for technology.

“The goal was to build both skill and character,” Edwards added. “We didn’t just want to teach kids how to code – we wanted to show them they could build real things, think critically, and believe in themselves.”

Elated students walked away with a wealth of knowledge and awards to show. Nine-year-old Abrielle Barrett won the Top Performing Coder – Girl award, along with the Director’s Award for achieving an impressive average of 99 per cent. Eleven-year-old Jordon Hewitt received the Top Performing Coder – Boy award. Radejahh Brooks was awarded a full scholarship to attend Foundation Preparatory School in September.

Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity, educators praised the camp’s mission, and children left energised and excited about their digital futures.

The initiative was supported by adviser Nathan Hewitt, Serenity Resource Connector teaching assistant, and the families of the founders. Foundation Preparatory School served as the host location, generously opening its doors to the young tech leaders and participants.

“We’ve already been asked when the next staging will be,” Edwards noted. “And yes – CyberKids 2026 is already in the works. We’re planning to make it even bigger, better, and more impactful.”

The successful summer camp classes were free of cost to participants – funded by the innovators’ parents and wellwishers. To expand the programme, the CyberKids team is actively seeking corporate and community partners to support their mission of building a more digitally literate and empowered Jamaica.

May Pen Mayor Joel Williams described the CyberKids initiative as “extraordinary” and “a gateway to opportunity”. He encouraged parents to invest in their children’s digital education and called for stakeholders to track the students’ journeys – from camp to greatness. Praising the programme as a game-changer for Clarendon’s future, he added, “These aren’t just children – they are visionaries.”

Zeco Brown, parish manager for HEART/NSTA Trust, echoed Williams’ sentiments, affirming that “skills pay the bills” and urging young people to continue building both technical and soft skills.

Brown highlighted the alignment between CyberKids and national workforce goals, and encouraged young people to explore HEART’s advanced coding programmes.

Eurica Douglas, general manager for the Clarendon Parish Development Committee, in her keynote address themed ‘Code the Future – From Curiosity and Creation in Clarendon to the World’, championed the importance of youth-led innovation, civic tech ethics, and community transformation. She charged campers to “use this moment as a launchpad”.