St Andrew High School for Girls has emerged the winner of the second annual Flow Girls in ICT Day coding challenge.

The team of 10 third-form students was the first to complete a series of challenges during the 90-minute exercise designed by STEM Builders Learning Hub.

The young ladies were rewarded for their efforts with Samsung tablets and data plans courtesy of Flow and the Flow Foundation.

Following closely behind, St Jago High School secured the second position while Campion College rounded out the top three. Both schools were acknowledged for their commendable performances, receiving tablets and smartphones, respectively.

Using the 3D software programme Tinkercad, the students were introduced to C+ coding and guided in building circuits.

The activity formed part of the entertainment and communication provider’s commemoration of Girls in ICT Day. Over 300 third-form students were part of Flow’s Expo and Conference which included a keynote address from Aerospace engineer Ayanna Samuels, a pep talk from 14-year-old computer science undergraduate student at University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) Jada Wright and displays from entities across the private and public sector.

Minister with responsibility for digital skills and transformation, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, as well as CEO of Flow, Stephen Price, also addressed the young ladies.

Deleen Powell, Business Communications Manager at Flow and Project Lead for the Girls in ICT Day noted: “We are heartened that… [m]ore than 50 per cent of the young ladies expressed interest in pursuing ICT studies, indicating our impact in fostering inclusion and driving interest in the field.”

Kavelle Hylton, CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub, emphasised that coding serves as a gateway to invaluable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. “

Despite initial apprehension, the young ladies showcased remarkable enthusiasm and confidence, underscoring their potential to excel in ICT,” she added.

Flow’s Girls in ICT Day Expo and Conference received endorsement from the International Telecommunications Union. The event was held under the theme ‘Inspire Leadership’.