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Seprod Foundation lends support to Oxford University Computing Challenge Jamaica

Published:Saturday | June 8, 2024 | 12:07 AM
Lisa D’Oyen (left), executive director, Seprod Foundation, pauses for a photo op with St Elizabeth Technical High School students Rahim McDaniel (2nd left), Denise Bell (centre), and Karisa Bellanfante (2nd right), along with teacher Aisha Simpson (right
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Lisa D’Oyen (left), executive director, Seprod Foundation, pauses for a photo op with St Elizabeth Technical High School students Rahim McDaniel (2nd left), Denise Bell (centre), and Karisa Bellanfante (2nd right), along with teacher Aisha Simpson (right), during the Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) on Monday, June 3 at Halls of Learning, the local organiser for the competition.

Over 20 primary and secondary schools across the island participated in the Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) Jamaica finals, which were held on Monday, June 3 at Halls of Learning in St Andrew.

The initiative, organised by Halls of Learning, is a part of the Code Jamaica suite of educational initiatives, which also includes the Bebras Challenge, the Kangaroo Math Challenge, World Robot Olympiad Jamaica (WRO Jamaica), and the Hour of Code.

The Seprod Foundation, alongside the American Friends of Jamaica, are the main partners for this initiative. Through their consistent support, students from schools across the island were able to participate free of charge in the challenge.

During the one-hour online competition, participants were tasked with solving computational problems using computer programming. Additionally, the event featured a 30-minute robotics workshop, providing students with hands-on experience in coding and operating their own robots.

The competition also allowed for participants to enrol in the Future Innovators Category of WRO Jamaica, a project-based competition slated for display at the upcoming Code Jamaica Expo on June 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel, a release from the company outlined.

FURTHER COLLABORATION

Lisa D’Oyen, executive director, Seprod Foundation, expressed pride at seeing how diligent and focused the students were during the challenge, stating, “We are proud of the talent demonstrated by these young students, and their determination to successfully complete the challenges. Our mission is to give support to young, talented minds and help equip Jamaican students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.”

Collaborating with the American Friends of Jamaica, the Seprod Foundation has been supporting STEAM educational initiatives for Jamaican students. Looking ahead, the Seprod Foundation anticipates further collaboration with partners to advance STEAM education and support the next generation of Jamaican innovators and leaders. “The support from the American Friends of Jamaica has been instrumental in helping to expose students from schools all across Jamaica possible, and we are grateful to them for seeing the benefits of advancing and promoting STEAM education in Jamaica”, said Melanie Subratie, chairman of Seprod Foundation.”