JamCoders give back to August Town Basic School

A fresh coat of paint, colourful murals and repaired doors have given the August Town Church of Christ Basic School a new lease on life, thanks to 26 young programmers who swapped algorithms for paintbrushes as part of the fifth anniversary celebrations of the JamCoders Summer Camp.

The students, participants in the free residential camp focused on algorithms and programming, stepped away from their computers to take part in a community outreach project aimed at improving the school’s learning environment while reinforcing lessons in service and social responsibility.

Dubbed ‘Refreshing Young Minds: JamCoders 5th Anniversary Outreach Project’, the initiative allowed students to use their time, talents and creativity to make a tangible difference in the August Town community.

The project focused on improving the school’s appearance, safety and functionality. The institution serves 33 children ages three to five and is staffed by a principal, two teachers and a cook. Two students require additional support for Down syndrome and autism.

Supported by camp staff, the students painted walls and tables, replaced three ageing doors serving the office, classroom and kitchen, and added colourful artwork throughout the school. Charts and cabinets were also donated to improve storage and support teaching and learning. The initiative was funded through contributions from JamCoders staff, friends and families.

Zuri Sewell, a student of Immaculate Conception High School, said the experience allowed her to use her talents in service of others.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to use the talents that God gave me in order to improve the conditions of the school. It was a fun experience, and I love that I am able to give back to other communities with a need,” she said.

Fellow participant Yatin Vanjani of York Castle High School also welcomed the chance to contribute and engage with members of the community.

“It was really a great experience giving back to the basic school and connecting with people. I am very grateful to JamCoders and everyone involved to have been a part of this initiative that made a positive impact,” he said.

Principal Debbie Gooden-Clarke said the transformation has created a brighter, more welcoming environment for both students and staff.

“The staff and students of the August Town Church of Christ Basic School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing students and staff of the JamCoders Summer Camp for their incredible work on our school,” she said.

“The fresh coat of paint on the walls and tables has truly brightened up the classrooms, while the replacement of the old doors for the office, classroom and kitchen has given the building a new lease on life,” she added.

Gooden-Clarke said the students’ creative contributions further enhanced the school’s environment.

“We are also grateful for the beautiful drawings on the walls and tables that have added a special personal touch to our learning environment, as well as the generous donations of charts and cabinets that will keep us so much more organised and enrich our teaching and learning environment,” she said.

She said the project would have a lasting impact on the school community.

“Your dedication, labour and contribution have made a real difference and will positively impact our school, support our students’ growth, and strengthen our teaching and learning process,” Gooden-Clarke said.

The outreach project formed part of JamCoders’ fifth anniversary celebrations and reflected the programme’s broader goal of developing well-rounded young people. The camp exposes third- to fifth-form students to computer science, problem-solving, teamwork and mentorship, helping to prepare a new generation of Jamaican innovators and leaders.

This year’s initiative underscored a broader lesson: that leadership extends beyond technical skills and academic success. By participating, students were encouraged to recognise the importance of empathy, community engagement and service, while applying what they have learned in a practical setting.

The project also highlighted the value of investing in early-childhood education. By improving the physical environment of a school that serves young children, including those with special needs, organisers hope to create a more comfortable, stimulating and welcoming space for learning.

Dr Daniel Fokum, head of the Department of Computing at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and co-chair of the JamCoders Summer Camp, said organisers felt it was important for participants to give back to the wider community, as part of the camp’s fifth staging.

“JamCoders has been running every July since 2022, offering a free, four-week residential camp in coding and algorithms. On July 25, we took our students to the August Town Church of Christ Basic School, where they helped with interior painting and other small improvements to the space. The kids had a great time being part of the school’s facelift, and we’re really grateful to August Town Church of Christ Basic School for partnering with us on this,” Dr Fokum said.

As JamCoders marks five years of operation, the outreach project reflects a vision that extends beyond producing talented programmers and technology enthusiasts. It is also about nurturing young Jamaicans who understand that their skills and talents can be used to create positive change.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com