The JamCoders Summer Camp 2025 was hailed a success, providing high school students across Jamaica with intensive training in algorithms and programming. Students like Myers of Wolmer’s Boys’ and Oksana Smith of Immaculate High described the camp as both welcoming and challenging, highlighting the value of the lectures and labs.

The month-long residential programme, hosted at UWI Mona, was co-coordinated by Dr. Daniel Fokum (UWI) and Professor Jelani Nelson (UC Berkeley, founder of AddisCoder). Since its launch in 2022, JamCoders has trained nearly 200 students, many of whom were new to programming.

The initiative was inspired and supported by reggae artiste Chronixx (Jamar McNaughton) through his CHOR Foundation, after learning about the AddisCoder programme in Ethiopia. At the closing ceremony, he urged students to pursue their dreams and not underestimate their intelligence in the age of AI.

Students engaged in daily lectures and hands-on programming tasks. Dr. Fokum credited local sponsors, including the American Friends of Jamaica, teaching assistants, and chaperones for the camp’s success, noting the high demand for future sessions.

Modelled on AddisCoder, the programme aims to create pathways for Jamaican students similar to Ethiopia, where alumni have advanced to top universities and leading global tech companies.

Photo caption: JamCoders participants, 2025.