KINGSTON, Jamaica – A bold experiment in youth empowerment unfolded this summer, as Project STAR’s SPARK! Youth Innovation Camp brought together teenagers from communities across Kingston, Clarendon, and Westmoreland for five days of discovery, creativity, and possibility.
Far from being a typical summer camp, SPARK! was a launchpad for ideas—a place where participants could reimagine their futures through hands-on training in entrepreneurship, technology, and the creative arts. Young people aged 13–16 were guided through workshops that blended hard skills such as product development, branding, and financial literacy with life-shaping sessions on self-confidence, values, and wellness.
Building Skills, Building Communities
Sharise Staines-Appleby, Project STAR’s community services lead, underscored the mission:
“SPARK! is about equipping youth with the tools and mindset to thrive. When we invest in their skills and confidence, we are investing in stronger, safer communities.”
Workshops opened doors into the worlds of STEM, digital innovation, and creative industries—fields often out of reach for at-risk youth. From exploring artificial intelligence with technology experts, to learning carpentry and makeup artistry from local professionals, participants got a taste of both high-tech futures and practical trades.
Voices of the Next Generation
The impact was personal.
- Twelve-year-old Saija Kelly of Parade Gardens left inspired to think like an entrepreneur: “The camp showed me how people my age can turn ideas into businesses. It gave me plans I can build on.”
- Seventeen-year-old Jayvyn Small, who heads to Excelsior Community College this fall, said: “I learnt how artificial intelligence can drive business, and even how to start a phone repair service. It opened my eyes to careers I never considered.”
A Collective Effort
SPARK! drew strength from its network of mentors, industry voices, and institutions. Motivational speaker Emprezz Golding energized participants with her signature fire, while Jason Ricketts of the Ministry of Education led sessions on financial literacy. The camp also featured sessions from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, and even the Trinidad High Commission, covering critical topics like child protection, wellness, and human trafficking.
From Ideas to Action
The camp culminated in a vibrant expo and talent showcase, where participants unveiled business concepts, artistic projects, and personal talents. Awards and grants were distributed to help them continue developing their skills beyond the camp’s walls.
For Project STAR, the week wasn’t just about education—it was about rewriting narratives. By fostering resilience and creativity in youth often overlooked, SPARK! has positioned itself as more than a camp: it is a movement to ignite futures and anchor safer, more prosperous communities across Jamaica.
