Briefing | GATES using technology to enhance inclusive growth

If it is the case that the Jamaican economy is to lift itself up by its own bootstraps to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of five per cent or higher, it will require outside-the-box thinking and approaches.

Graphic Arts & Technology Educational Society (GATES) has been thinking outside the box by engaging the youth in a community and high-school initiative, using spare computer and electronic parts to create reusable products.

HOW IS GATES THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX?

GATES aims to increase the earning potential of young Jamaicans by increasing their understanding of electronics, computer science, technology and their uses thereof in their daily activities.

Through incubators established all across the island, GATES promotes innovation, recycling, experiential learning and crime- alleviation solutions. The society is enhancing educational change through workshops in schools and community centres to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary understanding of how to use their natural environs to create products that can enhance the day-to-day functioning of their communities to meet the demands of the local and global economy.

The project is beginning in Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town and August Town in Kingston, as well as in Mount Salem and at Cornwall College in Montego Bay.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

GATES began in Tivoli Gardens using astronomy as a tool for youth engagement and empowerment. This later evolved into the extensive appreciation for science, technology, engineering and arts and maths in building systems. It has sparked much attention from the young people, who appear to be technologically savvy and eager to create new products from spare parts.

GATES needs your support. If you have any computers, laptops, monitors, printers, cameras and other unwanted electronic devices that you might have in storage or in need of repair, you can donate them to their initiative.

Drop-off points are the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission office at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston, contact Leneka Rhoden; or at Cornwall College, care of Richardo Smith; or the Mt Salem Community Centre, care of Floyd Foster (Garth) in Montego Bay, St James.

WHY IS GATES RELEVANT?

The modern world is changing to incorporate technology in the day-to-day lives in the more developed countries which have the resources and know-how through research and development. Developing countries, that do not possess the capital to invest extensively in research and development can benefit from technology through knowledge transfer and the reuse of technological products.

GATES aims to minimise operational cost by using recycled spare parts from donated equipment.

"In order to make these incubators a reality and sustainable, we are promoting the reuse of electronics," said Lesley James, executive director of GATES, who is also a technician and computer programmer by profession.

"Your donation will be used to create incubators in urban and rural communities that will host workshops and advance the educational connection between home and school."

He added, "It will also inculcate an appreciation for electronics, technology and technological goods, while at the same time enhance the interchange of information and the educational linkage through experiential learning."

You can find GATES on social media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kB5VKgtrTo Instagram: @gatesjamaica, or contact Lesley James at 18768323268.