NTRC praised for mobile app building programme

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) has received praise for their ‘My App’ summer programme, which was aimed at teaching students how to build mobile applications.

My App focussed on students in the North Leeward area and saw 19 students take part in a five-week programme, which was held at the Petit Bordel Learning Resource Centre and facilitated by Information Communication Technology (ICT) teacher Jason Alexis.{{more}}

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the programme on Wednesday, August 31, Unity Labour Party (ULP) North Leeward representative Carlos James described the programme as a very important initiative, not only because of what was taught, but because of where it was held.

James said that it must be mentioned that programmes like My App are not usually held in the rural areas, so it is extremely positive to see the North Leeward community benefit from the initiative, therefore helping to bridge the digital divide.

James, who is originally from Troumaca, noted that the Internet and other ICT functions are no longer just available in certain places, so it is important to have programmes like My App that complement the Government’s educational programmes, including the one laptop per child initiative.

“A programme such as this is important to impact the use of the technologies available,” stressed James, who noted that My App can aid in the creation of computer programmers and engineers coming out of North Leeward.

“I am quite pleased with the work, and thanks for coming to North Leeward in a community not known for these types of programmes. I am hoping that we can see more

programmes like this, so that young persons are not using the computer to only log on to Facebook and to do school work, but to build programs,” noted James, who urged the participants to use what they learnt as a stepping stone.

Junior Kelly emerged as the programme’s valedictorian. The former St Vincent Grammar School student, who has moved on to the St Vincent Community College (SVCC) Division of Arts, Science and General Studies, along with support of other participants, created a ‘pizza app’. The app allows persons to order pizza, choose a drink and dessert and schedule a delivery of the order.

Kelly described the programme as “educational” and said that his mother told him about the classes and encouraged him to take part.

“I was interested in learning to build applications and I was elated when I heard about this programme,” said Kelly, who noted that the facilitator was very professional and he and the other participants were able to learn the concept of coding.

“We worked hard and I am grateful. The app we built is called Pizza World and it was designed to give customers an easier way of ordering pizza, drinks and dessert. The programme is revitalizing and beneficial to those who wish to further studies in ICT. I believe I have the capability of designing my own application using the knowledge gained and I am confident that most of us have the ability of doing so,” stressed Kelly.

Also speaking at the closing ceremony were Marketing and Corporate Communications manager at FLOW Nikala Williams and head of Mobile Operations at Digicel Dionne Clarke-Emtage.

Williams encouraged students to take the opportunity seriously, as coding is an opportunity to make an extremely positive career move.

“A lot of money is involved in it. FLOW will continue to do our part, one initiative at a time, to make sure the nation’s youths are properly educated,” said Williams.

Emtage said that Digicel was happy to partner with the NTRC to ensure a successful programme.

“Digicel, as a company, is thrilled that we were given the opportunity to help these children and be part of the programme,” noted Clarke-Emtage, who said also that the programme kept students occupied during the summer break, as well as affording them the opportunity to gain knowledge and life-long skills that can lead to a lucrative career.

The students were taught how to build applications in android studio and how to use basic Java to create programs. Sponsors of the summer programme include Cable and Wireless, Columbus Communications, Digicel and the Summer Crash Academy.