Communication and entertainment provider Flow opened a whole new world of career possibilities powered by the internet during the National Children Summit on Thursday, August 18 at the National Indoor Sports Centre. As the event’s official technology partner, Flow broadened the scope of digital career choices available during a presentation to students who’ve successfully completed their PEP exams and will be entering high school in September.

The Summit is held biennially by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) for children in state care in preparation for the new school year. This year’s theme was ‘Beat the Odds, Chart Your Destiny’, and according to Flow’s public relations manager, LeVaughn Flynn, the internet is one of the best tools available to children to create the future they want.

“Access to the internet provides great leverage and our objective was to inform and inspire the children about new career possibilities now available to them that did not previously exist,” stated Flynn.

“When we first asked the children what they want to be when they grow up, many of them responded with traditional career choices. We want to broaden their outlook on what’s possible for them and how the internet facilitates it,” Flynn added.

The students were presented with three career options in the engaging session – online gaming developer, social media manager and blogger/vlogger. Many of the children immediately related to the online gaming path as they are users of games such as Roblox and Subway Surfers.

Flynn pointed out, “It’s important that our children understand that the internet not only allows them to consume content but that they can one day be a content creator and earn from it. Broadband technology removes geographical boundaries and, in some ways, has created a global playground which helps to create endless opportunities.”

The presentation ended with two lucky students winning a tablet and a smartphone respectively. CPFSA CEO Rosalee Gage-Grey encouraged the students to use the devices responsibly.

“The CPFSA has your best interest at heart and I urge you to use these devices to empower yourselves and to be safe when online,” Gage-Grey noted. “As you’ve heard, technology provides you with opportunities that you didn’t have before and the CPFSA is committed to helping you realise those goals.”

As the Children Summit’s official technology partner, Flow also provided fixed and wireless internet access for the event. Flow and the CPFSA share a longstanding relationship founded on improving the lives of children in state care. Through its technology services, Flow has provided or upgraded the internet at various children’s homes across the island, hosted Christmas and back-to-school treats and included the agency and its wards in its online safety initiatives in support of the state organisation’s mission of protecting children and securing their future.