KINGSTON, Jamaica — Seaforth High School has claimed first place in the European Union (EU) and Universal Service Fund (USF) ICT Club Video Competition, earning top honours for their digital storytelling project and securing an all-expenses-paid trip to Brussels later this summer.

The award ceremony, held on July 15, showcased the creativity and innovation of Jamaican students as they explored the theme of technology’s impact on future careers and how the education system can better prepare youth for the digital economy.

The competition, open to students in Grades 11–13 who are members of USF ICT Clubs, forms part of a wider initiative by the EU, the USF, and e-Learning Jamaica to promote digital inclusion and skills development.

Old Harbour High School and St Hilda’s Diocesan High School placed second and third, respectively, in a strong field of entries that reflected the talents and forward-thinking mindset of Jamaican youth.

Chief Executive Officer of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, praised the students’ efforts, noting the transformative role technology plays in today’s world.

“We are living in a time where technology is reshaping the world faster than ever,” McFarlane said. “Innovation is no longer reserved for labs in Silicon Valley. It’s happening in school clubs, rural communities and right here in Jamaica. And more importantly, it’s happening through you.”

He emphasised the USF’s commitment to ensuring that all Jamaicans, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to the digital tools and training needed to thrive.

Reflecting on the win, Seaforth High student Obrien Rose highlighted the hard work behind the victory.

“It took late nights, brainstorming sessions, rewriting, re-recordings, and most importantly, unity,” Rose said. “We learned how to tell a story, how to use technology as a voice and how to work together.”

Rose also shared the club’s growing interest in emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which he says are revolutionising the way students learn.

“With VR, we can take virtual field trips to places we’ve only read about, and AR brings static pages to life. These innovations are transforming our classrooms into immersive learning environments,” he added.

The USF operates under the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, and is tasked with bridging the digital divide across Jamaica. The EU’s support through its Global Gateway Strategy plays a crucial role in promoting equal access to technology and enhancing connectivity for sustainable development.