Every so often the conversation comes to the fore about giving the nation’s youth a solid STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Unfortunately, much of this talk has been mere lip service.

Admittedly, many Jamaicans resident here have limited understanding for what STEM in action truly means. This is as a result of the national posture being that of late adopters or laggards to technology, rather than being creators and innovators.

It is therefore inspiring when one of our youngsters swims against the tide and puts out a product that uses STEM to solve a national challenge.

Enter 25-year-old Mr Deandrew Moore.

The Business Observer story in yesterday’s edition, ‘ATMFinderJa app makes ATM hunting easier’, offers inspiration in the face of frustration. What’s more, it is STEM in action.

Mr Moore, like so many Jamaicans, has been confronted with the struggle of locating automated teller machines (ATMs) that can reliably dispense cash. His response: Posit a tech solution.

We wish not to join the fray in chastising the commercial banks and the support entities regarding the management of ATMs, whether it is correcting hardware malfunction or simply stocking the access points with cash — we trust work is underway to solve this nuisance. Instead, we cast a light on the work Mr Moore has put in to solve the problem of users.

“I was on Twitter, and I usually just see people making different remarks about not finding ATMs. One day I really got annoyed when I couldn’t find a working ATM, and I was just like, alright, it’s time for me to build this,” Moore told our reporter.

The recent computer science graduate from The University of the West Indies (UWI) said he “missed a couple of parties and free weekends” in fulfilment of his mission, but now has an app to show for it.

The ATMFinderJa app “relies on users actively contributing reports, making it a community-driven initiative expected to evolve with increased adoption”. Users are then made aware of working, as well as out-of- cash, not-working status of ATMs.

Mr Moore has already signposted that there exists greater potential from the app with linkages to the banks, enhancement for the visually impaired, among other developments. We, in this space, are excited at the prospects.

No doubt, there are individuals with nefarious motives that may engage the app, but the young developer has attempted some safeguards.

This app is the substance of sound educational outcomes. That a locally-trained developer has proffered such a solution to a national challenge gives confidence in continuing to clamour for a STEM-based education, curriculum and system.

Recent criticisms of The UWI by former Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips has merit. He charged that much of the research there has not significantly impacted policy development in areas that need systemic realignment. Mr Moore’s innovation gives some glimmer that the products of our tertiary programmes can positively impact national life.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has promised six (6) STEM schools, the first to be located in Dunbeholden, St Catherine, “to bridge the digital divide”. We await its completion. The return on such an investment will be invaluable.

This generation of digital natives must be encouraged to employ their skills in nation building, including tackling the varied challenges that befall us a people.