FLOW FOUNDATION CONNECTS CHILDREN TO A SAFE
SPOT, SUPPORT
Jamaican children will benefit from a national helpline which will connect them to help as they deal with the pandemic. The dedicated toll-free line – 888-SAFE-SPOT (888-723-3776) – will be available 24 hours daily, 7 days per week and is staffed by intake officers, counsellors and counselling psychologists. The service will cater to all children (that is, anyone under the age of 18 years) providing support for issues ranging from depression to acts of abuse.
The line was established through a partnership with the Flow Foundation, the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) and UNICEF and has been fully endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI).
Speaking at the launch event, Diahann Gordon Harrison, Children’s Advocate, shared the urgent need for the facility in light of the increased threats and trauma being experienced by the nation’s children since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In expressing her appreciation, she stated: “We are extremely grateful for the provision of the toll-free line which is a critical component of this initiative and a vital resource for providing a safety net for our children.” Children will also be able to use SMS text messages, email, WhatsApp and social media in communicating with the helpline.
Kayon Mitchell, Executive Director, Flow Foundation, stated that the helpline was a true example of public-private partnerships working for Jamaica’s children. Acknowledging that the period leading to adulthood is a challenging time for children and that the pandemic has further contributed to the uncertainty experienced at this stage, she said, “A key part of our work at the Flow Foundation is using technology to empower Jamaicans – young and old. The National Helpline for Children is a significant step in the right direction in making a difference in lives of our nation’s children.” The helpline, which was launched during child month, is free of cost across Flow’s entire network.
The toll-free line joins the Flow Foundation’s suite of activities aimed at enabling progress through digital inclusion. Those specifically related to children include, but is not limited to, the provision of free internet service to over 220 primary schools across the country, the donation of tablets to scores of children, and initiatives such as Safer Internet Week which promote online safety.
Deadline extended for Flow Video Competition
Entries now due on June 14
With several requests coming in from girls for more time to refine their entries, Flow is extending the deadline for their Girls in ICT Video Competition
The Video Competition is being staged regionally as part of the company’s continued commitment to inspire girls to pursue a career in ICT. It is open to girls between 12 – 15 years from any of C&W Communications’ operating markets in the region, including Jamaica. Participants are to submit a 2 - 3minute video on the topic: “Why is it important for girls/women to pursue a career in ICT?”
Over the years, Flow has staged various activities and partnered with a range of organizations as it actively encourages girls to consider careers in ICT. Most recently, the company was a platinum sponsor of the Caribbean Girls Hack Technocreativity Hackathon where it hosted a mentorship session for the finalists and sponsored the Tech Zone at the event.
“While it is important for us to expose our girls to the wide variety of careers and opportunities in the ICT space, it is also important that we hear directly from them - What is driving their interest? What are the changes that they are hoping to see? And how do we, through collective idea-sharing and efforts, drive that gender balance in the ICT sector. We’re looking forward to reviewing all the entries and sharing their thoughts with the rest of the world,” said Kayon Mitchell, Communications Director, Flow
Girls in ICT Day 2021 was marked under the theme, “Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures!” and was geared at empowering and encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM education, inspiring them to work in STEM careers, and also engaging the community while promoting collaboration through partnerships.
Details on the Flow/BTC Video competition may be found at: www.flowfoundationja.org/girls-in-ict-competition-2021/
