- The Lesma Ellis Foundation, led by Oshane Creary, is transforming education in Kingston, Jamaica, focusing on equipping youth with modern skills.
- Supported by a grant from the European Union, the foundation aims for significant growth through 2025.
- Key skills taught include AI, graphic design, and cybersecurity, often missing in traditional curriculums.
- The COMPUTREK Marathon provides free digital training workshops for students, focusing on computer and cybersecurity knowledge.
- The Jamaican Women in Cyber Technology and Mathematics program empowers women in tech and mathematics, encouraging gender diversity in male-dominated fields.
- Creary calls for volunteers and mentors to support this mission, urging community engagement via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Jamaica, a powerful tide of change is sweeping through the educational landscape, driven by the unwavering dedication of Oshane Creary. Amidst the bustling streets of Kingston, where opportunities often clash with challenges, Creary emerges as a beacon of hope for young minds eager to transcend traditional educational boundaries.
Under the banner of the Lesma Ellis Foundation, Creary channels his passion into action, diligently working to equip Jamaica’s youth with the skills essential for a dynamic future. This foundation, initiated by Dr. Ian Campbell—an esteemed lecturer and retired U.S. Army major—has become a lifeline for Torrington Park residents. Born in this vibrant Kingston neighborhood, Campbell established the foundation in 2015, honoring his mother, Lesma Ellis, whose spirit of community compassion resides at the core of their mission.
Thanks to a significant grant from the European Union, the foundation’s initiatives are poised for expansive growth through 2025. Creary, a former University of the West Indies student, transformed from volunteer to linchpin, orchestrating the foundation’s mission on home soil with the zeal of one who understands that knowledge is a torch to illuminate the path forward.
The Lesma Ellis Foundation targets high school graduates and vulnerable youth—demographics often overlooked—to bolster their employability with skills that transcend rote learning. Such essential capabilities include proficiency in AI, graphic design, and cybersecurity, often excluded from traditional curriculums.
A cornerstone of their initiatives is the COMPUTREK Marathon, a vibrant series of digital training workshops touring local schools. Participants aged 16 to 18 walk away with certificates in fundamental computer and cybersecurity skills at no cost, priming them for the demands of the modern workforce.
Driven by determination, Creary has initiated the Jamaican Women in Cyber Technology and Mathematics program, a trailblazing effort to empower women to thrive in predominantly male industries. By integrating marketing and programming into their repertoire, the program aims to dismantle barriers and shatter ceilings.
In a world where digital literacy dictates job prospects, Creary’s vision for the Lesma Ellis Foundation is groundbreaking. He seeks army of volunteers and mentors ready to devote their time and resources to this noble cause. This call to action resonates beyond borders, urging people to support and drive forward this crusade for change.
For those inspired to contribute, a simple message over WhatsApp or a direct interaction via Instagram could be the first step toward making an indelible impact. In this quest to revolutionize education and empowerment, every helping hand carries the power to transform futures.
Transforming Futures: How the Lesma Ellis Foundation is Revolutionizing Education in Jamaica
Introduction
In the heart of Jamaica, a transformative movement is reshaping the educational landscape. Spearheaded by Oshane Creary and supported by the Lesma Ellis Foundation, this initiative aims to equip youth in Kingston with essential skills for the digital age. This article explores the foundation’s initiatives, the role of digital literacy in modern education, and actionable steps you can take to get involved.
Key Initiatives and Programs
The Lesma Ellis Foundation
Founded by Dr. Ian Campbell in 2015, in honor of his mother Lesma Ellis, the foundation seeks to uplift the communities of Kingston by focusing on youth empowerment through education. The foundation has received significant backing, such as a substantial grant from the European Union, to set the stage for growth through 2025.
Focus on Digital Skills
The foundation addresses the gap in digital education by offering training in areas like AI, graphic design, and cybersecurity—fields typically overlooked in traditional curricula. Skills such as these are crucial for future employability, making this initiative both timely and vital.
Computrek Marathon
One of the cornerstone initiatives, the COMPUTREK Marathon, consists of free digital training workshops held in local schools for youth aged 16 to 18. Participants gain certificates in fundamental computer and cybersecurity skills, preparing them for a tech-driven workforce.
Empowering Women in Tech
The Jamaican Women in Cyber Technology and Mathematics program is a pioneering effort to foster gender diversity in STEM fields. By training women in marketing, programming, and cybersecurity, the program aims to break down industry barriers and promote equality.
Why Digital Literacy Matters
In today’s world, digital literacy is not just an asset but a necessity. The competence to navigate digital platforms and tools directly impacts employability and career progression. Programs like those run by the Lesma Ellis Foundation are essential because they help bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities.
How You Can Get Involved
1. Volunteer: Join the foundation as a mentor or volunteer to help expand their reach and impact.
2. Donate: Financial contributions can help sustain and grow these critical programs.
3. Spread the Word: Use social media platforms to raise awareness of the foundation’s initiatives.
4. Connect: Reach out via WhatsApp or Instagram to learn about more ways you can contribute to this cause.
Real-World Impact and Testimonials
Many participants have shared how the training and empowerment programs have unlocked new career pathways, emphasizing the life-changing impact these initiatives have had.
Future Trends and Predictions
The demand for digital skills is projected to grow rapidly. By 2025, industries across the globe are expected to see a significant increase in job roles that require proficiency in AI and cybersecurity. Programs like those offered by the Lesma Ellis Foundation are essential in preparing youth for these changes.
Conclusion
The Lesma Ellis Foundation, through the vision of Oshane Creary, is making waves in Jamaica by equipping the next generation with skills for the future. By addressing the digital skills gap, they are not only changing lives but also contributing to a broader socio-economic transformation. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, getting involved in this cause provides a tangible way to contribute to a brighter future.
For more information about initiatives like these, visit Lesma Ellis Foundation.
