In September 2008, Mervin Jarman was inspired to create a mobile multimedia lab from what was formerly his garbage bin.

Naming his innovation the iStreet Lab, the conceptualiser of the non profit organisation, The Container Project in Palmers Cross, Clarendon decided to use multimedia technology to provide cutting edge skills to young people “on the corner” in communities further a field. Since then the technology has been used to reach young people in marginalised communities across the island.

“Like them, at one point in my life, I used to be called ‘rubbish’; therefore, I wanted to show them that something productive can come out of rubbish,” the, the 47 year-old, London- trained multimedia technologist said about what inspired his invention.

“Everybody says the youths on the corners are ‘good for nothing’,” Jarman stated. “I wanted to create something that would bring out their creativity and genius.”

With support from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Management Control Systems Limited (MCS), a subsidiary of Jamaica National Building Society and LIME, Jarman and his team from The Container Project recently completed a series of four workshops for some 40 “corner youths” in four communities in Clarendon and the Corporate Area.

Using the upgraded plastic garbage receptacle, the 40 young participants, mostly school leavers, from the Rocky Point Fishing Village and Palmer’s Cross in Clarendon, as well as Rockfort and Standpipe Lane in the Corporate Area, were taught to produce high quality videos, digital rhythms, digital photographs and full length radio and television broadcasts for the Internet and FM frequency band.

The youngsters’ works-of-art were placed on exhibition recently at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, at a function hosted by MCS.

“This showcase of multimedia creations is a clear example that innovation is still alive and well in our country and that if given the opportunity and clear guidance, our young people can indeed acquire skills and achieve their personal best,” commented Dianne Smith-Sears, general manager of MCS.

She commended the high energy and creativity of the participants, and indicated that MCS would continue its association through internships for young people trained by The Container Project.

Dr Elizabeth Ward, Chairman of the Violence Prevention Alliance added that the iStreet Lab is a good example of how technology can be used to build relationships and broker peace in volatile communities.

“We can make technology work for us if we use it wisely, and the iStreet Lab is a good example of how that can be done,” she said, pointing to the fractiousness of some of the communities participating in the programme targeted.

Representatives from UNESCO and LIME also applauded the work displayed at the exhibition, and congratulated The Container Project for raising the consciousness of the young people.

“The iStreet Lab has taught the young people how to open their minds and see that there are a lot of opportunities in the world where they can use these new skills,” Isidro Fernandez- Aballi, UNESCO Advisor in Communication and Information in the Caribbean said.

“Because of the workshop we were able to get to know a number of other people who you would not necessarily talk to,” said 18 year-old Mountain View resident, Navada Smith, who participated in the Rockfort programme.

Both Mountain View and Rockfort are volatile communities in eastern Kingston that have been consistently plagued by gang violence over the years. “It was a very interesting programme and we learned a lot about broadcast engineering and production,” young Mr. Smith added.

Eighteen year-old Damion Haughton of Rocky Point who participated in the workshop on photography sees an opportunity to make a business from his new skill and hopes to access a micro loan, under the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) from JN Small Business Loans Limited to embark on his enterprise following a presentation by the company to the youngsters.

Haughton, who attended the Bustamante High School in Clarendon, has only been marginally employed since leaving high school two years ago, as his final exam results were not good.

“Right now I’m in Rocky Point sitting down with nothing to do, and now I see this as an opportunity. I have a plan to start a photo studio and to photograph weddings, parties, funeral services and other events, because Rocky Point does not have a photo studio,” an excited Mr. Haughton said.

“The participants have gained a lot of knowledge and they can go on to become certified if they so desire,” Mr. Jarman said he said. “The workshops have placed them on another level and it’s one that I don’t think they will ever come down from. I don’t believe any one of them will allow anybody to say to them that they are worthless ever again.”