Mayaro Students Embrace Coding to Build a Brighter Future

On November 9, the bpTT Coding Academy hosted its Year One Graduation Ceremony at the Mayaro Resource Centre. Sponsored by bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) and facilitated by Education Solution Specialists Limited (ESSL), the Academy empowers 48 primary and secondary students through Saturday classes in coding and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). 

Inspiring Innovation and Change 

At the graduation ceremony, students were praised for their creativity and unique projects. Gamali Balkaran, bpTT Communications and External Affairs (C&EA) Advisor, highlighted their ability to integrate foundational coding skills with practical ideas to address community needs. Feature speaker Dr. Kwame Johnson encouraged students to embrace change and use their capacity for transformation to better themselves and their communities. 

A Student Perspective: Endless Possibilities 

Speaking on behalf of her peers, 14-year-old Sabella Paul from Rio Claro East Secondary School shared how the Academy transformed her career aspirations. Initially aiming to become a doctor, Sabella now dreams of becoming a software engineer, inspired by the teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills gained through the program. 

Tackling Community Challenges with Innovation 

Students demonstrated their readiness for Year Two by developing coding-based prototypes to solve real-world issues in Mayaro.

These innovative models included: 

• Flood Warning System
• Water Supply Supplementation
• Pollution Mitigation
• Water Quality Assurance
• Renewable Energy Optimization
• Autonomous Road Safety Vehicle
• Automated Public Transportation Scheduling

These projects showcased the students' ability to apply technology to tackle critical local challenges, impressing an audience of parents, teachers, and bpTT leaders, including David Campbell, President, and Giselle Thompson, Vice-President, C&EA. 

Recognizing Promising Talent 

Fifteen-year-old Nikoli Mills of St. Stephen’s College was awarded ‘Most Promising Student.’ Reflecting on the Academy’s impact, Nikoli emphasized how the program fostered collaboration and innovation, shaping his vision of a tech-driven career. 

Expanding Horizons in Year Two 

Brendon Butts, Managing Director of ESSL, shared plans for Year Two, which will include Python programming, robotics, gaming, and app design. Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the program, with training for teachers to integrate coding into the school curriculum. This ensures long-term impact by empowering educators and students alike. 

Building a Tech-Driven Future 

As Brendon Butts aptly stated, “The vision of bpTT enabled us to transform the vacation camp into a long-term opportunity for students to embrace a tech-driven future. Together, under the inspired innovation of these students, we are building a brighter future for Mayaro.” 

The bpTT Coding Academy exemplifies how technology, education, and community collaboration can unlock untapped potential and inspire future leaders to create meaningful change.