THE European Union (EU), in association with Universal Service Fund (USF), on Wednesday launched a student video competition which seeks to promote the importance of digital transformation among youth and ensure they are not left out of the discussion.

Other than giving the participants from the winning school an opportunity to participate creatively in the conversation on digital transformation, the winneers will be granted a trip to Belgium and feted with a host of other prizes.

Even the participants from schools that do not place first in the competition will be recipients of “exciting prizes”, according to Marlene Lamonth, programme nmanager of the EU Delegation.

“The first-place team will get a sponsored trip to Brussels in the summer of 2025, and they will be accompanied by their teacher. Teammates will get trophies and medals, and all persons who participate will walk away with something of value. All persons will get certificates. Motivation is there for the students to really engage in this process. There is a dedicated website; there is a web address and a dedicated email where questions can be sent to the technology expert, which will be available to the children for the duration of the competition,” Lomonth said on Wednesday at the launch which was held at the EU Delegation office on Fairway Avenue in St Andrew.

“The European Union and the Universal Service Fund are fully aware that technology must be leveraged thoughtfully to enrich learning — instead of just using it for technology’s sake. We firmly believe that the buzz of students in the digital transformation process is critical, and that is why we are doing this. We therefore urge all the schools represented here today to get on board, spread the word to other schools, and get started on creating your winning video,” Lamonth added.

A notification that was posted on the USF website, usf.gov.jm, which was directed to Jamaican high school information and technology (ICT) clubs, indicates that students with an eye for production and who are passionate about digital skills and the future of technology should apply.

“This is your chance to shine! The European Union and the Universal Service Fund Short Video Competition invite active ICT Club members in Jamaican high schools to create an exciting short video on digital innovation,” the notification read.

It added that the competition hopes to boost digital literacy among Jamaica’s youth; give students a chance to apply ICT knowledge to real world situations; and encourage critical thinking, teamwork and leadership. Also the competition is poised to help students build skills for future careers and increase awareness of the EU’s partnership with Jamaica in expanding ICT access for social and economic development.

Lamonth explained to attendees of Wednesday’s launch that the maximum duration for video entries from each school will be three minutes. She said that videos must be in MP4, MOV or AVI formats. The deadline for entries is 5:00 pm on April 16, 2025.

Students will be judged on creativity, originality, accuracy, and social media engagement to show how students can creatively transform their schools and communities through compelling storytelling by highlighting the role of connectivity in education, innovation and national development.