The JamCoders Summer Camp, held annually at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, continues to be a transformative experience shaping Jamaica’s next generation of tech leaders. Now in its fourth year, the camp has introduced close to 200 high school students to programming, with some of its earliest participants returning to mentor newcomers.

One such alumnus is 19-year-old Junier Bailey from Old Harbour, who first attended the camp in its inaugural year in 2022. Now a second-year Computer Science major at UWI, Bailey returned this summer as a chaperone, eager to give back.

“I really enjoyed networking and developing my skills. During my time I had a great chaperone, and I wanted to pass it on to the students I was responsible for this year,” said Bailey, a former Head Boy of St. Jago High. “Just be the best you. Do not beat yourself up if you have tried and you are not successful. Everyone’s journey is different.”

True to his leadership background, Bailey guided six young men during the camp, determined to make their shared experience memorable.

Fellow alumnus Joshua McMahon, a Computer Science major from Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, also returned as a chaperone. A graduate of Mt. St. Joseph Catholic High and DeCarteret College, McMahon described the role as both challenging and rewarding.

“There were many personalities to work with, and I am naturally introverted,” he reflected. “But being here brought back a lot of memories of my time as a student. I am grateful for the chance to return in a different role.

Photo caption: Junier Bailey and Joshua McMahon.