Reflecting on my journey with Youth Can Do I.T. (YCDI) feels like traversing a path of growth, discovery, and empowerment. It all began back in 2018 when I participated in Girl's Mentorship program. At that point, I had been doing IT but wasn't the most "techiest" person. However, thanks to the program, it became even clear to me that I didn't need to be an expert in ICT to make an impact on this revolutionary sector. Thus began my interest in Tech.
So, when the opportunity came to join YCDI as a C.H.A.N.G.E Agent , it was a no brainer. This time around ,I had the distinct opportunity to give back to an organisation that has left an impreshionable mark on my life. I started my new role in February 2023, working alongside Ms. Cherika Wilson , the Head of People Relations and Mr. Christopher Derell, Chief Technology Officer. I have learnt so much from these two individuals .In fact , I have a greater appreciation and passion for Project Management because of the experience with working with Cherika and Chris.
The focal point of YCDI's endeavors in the 2023-2024 period was the Metaverse. Admittedly, before this program, my knowledge of the Metaverse was limited. However, a spark was kindled during YCDI's Iam Witty conference held in the Metaverse in 2022, which piqued my interest in Project Amplify : Ethics in the Metaverse. YCDI collaborated with Jesus College at Oxford for Project Amplify. This allowed me the opportunity to meet Dr. Samantha-Kaye Johnston , who is the project coordinator from Jesus College. This woman is a phenomenial individual who has a passion for Ethics in the use of technology. It was a pleasure working alongside Dr. Samantha-Kaye Johnston.
Project Amplify took the form of 4 Phases , with the aim of producing the Ethical Guidelines for the use of the Metaverse as well as the participants creation of their own Metaverse. Unlike many things that we do today, Project Amplify applied co-design for the creation of the Ethical Guidelines. This meant that our participants ages 11-17 , the C.H.A.N.G.E Agents and our project coordinators all worked together to create the guidelines document. I must admit these sessions were my absolute favourite because I was able to have conversations with our participants about Ethics in the Metaverse and hear them develop their ideas for rules that we ought to develop to ensure that everyone can remain safe and feel accepted in the Metaverse.
The pinnacle of this journey was our presentation at the Digital Hub at Jesus College at Oxford on February 13, 2024, where we delved into the topic of Ethics in the Metaverse through the eyes of Jamaican Youth. This experience allowed me to lead crucial conversations on ethical considerations in the Metavers, engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds who emphasized the necessity for ongoing dialogue on Ethics in emerging technologies. We were able to continue this conversation during our visit to the HIgh Commissioner of Jamaica to the UK. This project actually puts Jamaica on the map because we are first to do a project of this magnitude and scope in the world.
I am so happy that I was able to be apart of this project. As I started this blog , I mentioned that I wasn't the most "techy" person. I am still not that "techy" but I have garned quite a few skills under my belt. So, to anyone who feels that you may not have all the skills to contribute to technology, there is a place for you and your background matters. This experience has taught me, that as a student of International Relations , Political Science and Strategy and Bussiness Management that my diverse background can contribute to research and project on emerging backgrounds through important topics such as Ethics.
Merci donc à YCDI pour cette expérience complète qui m'a conduit à une découverte et à un développement plus profonds de moi-même.
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