The Caribbean is abuzz with excitement!  JUMP, an initiative by Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF)  in collaboration with regional governments, private sector companies, and the Mona School of Business Management (MSBM) through the Caribbean School of Data (CSOD), was officially launched in August 2023. On the heels of an impactful Skills for the Future initiative which saw over 800 graduates from across Jamaica, JUMP extends the push for digital inclusion across the region.  The Programme provides participants in  Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada and Jamaica with essential digital skills training to make them more employable in an increasingly digital economy. 

In addition to digital skills training, all JUMP participants are provided with a laptop device and access to significantly subsidised internet service. This move further ensures that all course participants have the requisite resources needed for success in the programme and beyond. 

JUMP Curriculum: 
The curriculum is designed to prepare participants for entry-level digital and data-focused employment  in roles such as an Online Ads Monitor, SEO Clerk, Data Entry Clerk and other remote digital jobs. Some of the topics covered include: Using the World Wide Web Securely, Personal Safety and Security in Cyberspace, Social Media and Search Engine Optimization, just to name a few. In addition to the digital skill sets garnered, participants also learn to apply soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication and collaborative techniques across different business scenarios.

The CSOD model also utilises trained facilitators who play an integral role in supporting participants through the programme. The facilitators provide ongoing outreach, support and oversight, ensuring participants understand and can successfully navigate the curriculum.

This provides participants with the necessary digital and soft skill sets to safely and proficiently navigate the digital world, whether for employment, entrepreneurship and/or for personal use.

Regional Graduation:  
An inaugural regional graduation was held on July 11, 2024, where over 150 participants from Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, and the Bahamas proudly graduated and received their certificates. This significant milestone highlighted the programme's commitment to fostering and bridging the digital literacy divide regionally.
 
JUMP initially started in Jamaica and has made great strides. Of the recent graduates, one hundred and thirty (134) participants were from Jamaica. Building off the momentum from the graduation, new groups have commenced in Jamaica with the Bahamas, Barbados, and Grenada seeking to ramp up their numbers following launches in each locale. 

The programme has not been spared the effects of an active hurricane season with Grenada still recovering from the aftermath of hurricane Beryl. Participation is expected to improve, once the country and its citizens have rebuilt and returned to normal.

Regionally, the programme is expected to scale, following the performance of the initial cohorts and the lessons learned.

Programme Impact:
JUMP is more than just a digital training programme; it demonstrates the power of public/private partnerships in creating more digitally inclusive societies. Through these partnerships, CSOD is helping to address the skill gap in the region and  create a workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital world.