News

SWF&Co. Published Articles

IGT TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL CODING AND ROBOTICS ROCK! CAMP IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Youth will gain valuable technology skills and learn to…

‘Think it, Code it, Solve it’

〰️

‘Think it, Code it, Solve it’ 〰️

Monday 10 July 2023: Port of Spain – After two successful years, International Game Technology (IGT) is hosting its third virtual IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp from July 17 to 28. This year’s camp, themed ‘Think it, Code it, Solve it’, will equip students with marketable technology skills and encourage them to create digital solutions that advance the development of the region.

As part of IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Programme, the camp will be offered exclusively to youth between the ages of 12 and 18, served by IGT’s ASA Centres in Trinidad and Tobago, with the aim of reaching children who would not otherwise have access to free information technology courses at this level. 

 

“We want to encourage innovativeness and creativity in our students. This year’s theme particularly challenges them to create solutions to address issues related to the region’s achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals,” stated IGT’s General Manager Dexter W. Thomas.

Returning students from ASA Centres will come from Credo Sophia House, a home for at-risk girls, and the NGO Cotton Tree Foundation.  The camp will also welcome new students from Credo Boys Developmental Centre, where IGT installed its 18th ASA Centre in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year.

 

The 14 boy residents at the Credo Centre will join the camp at Level I (Introductory Level), which covers the basics of computer programming, web development and robotics. Meanwhile, Level II students will learn Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improve on last year’s lessons with more advanced techniques.

 

Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus will once again serve as IGT’s enlisted training partner. For the first time, MGI will be delivering both Levels One and Two courses concurrently in July.

 

The Trinidadian students will join a total of 72 Caribbean youth in this year’s camp. All are beneficiaries of IGT’s ASA Programme from participating countries Jamaica, Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua, St Maarten, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

As part of IGT’s Sustainable Play™ programme, After School Advantage is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology, while promoting opportunities in digital learning centers in communities where IGT operates. The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational opportunities, while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

Regional Vice-President for IGT Latin America and the Caribbean, Juan Pablo Chadid says the training camp will stimulate an interest in technology among the students, which in turn encourages them to pursue STEM careers in different fields.

“Our students have access to top resources and they learn essential skills to pursue lasting careers in STEM to develop the Caribbean,” Chadid noted. “With the age of the technological revolution in mind, students are provided with vital skills to fill the technological gaps in the Caribbean job market.”

About IGT’s After School Advantage Programme:

After School Advantage (ASA) is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centers in communities where IGT operates. The program ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational opportunities, while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean. As part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its global communities, IGT aims to continually enhance the technological awareness of students and prepare them to contribute to the social and infrastructural development of the Caribbean.

 

About IGT Trinidad and Tobago:

As the full-service lottery provider to the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), IGT manages the distribution, accounting and validation of the Lottery’s instant ticket business. In addition to lottery and instant ticket services, through VIA, a commercial services company, IGT provides prepaid mobile phone top-up and bill payment services over lottery terminals in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

About IGT:

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivalled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

 

- END –

 

Sandra Welch-Farrell