EU Prize Trip Exposes Seaforth High Students to Digital Resilience; Experience Provides Insights for Post-Melissa Recovery

Obrien Rose, Brianna Brooks, Llyana Copeland, and Matthew Rae Edmondson recently completed a transformative trip to Brussels, Belgium. Their experience now carries deeper meaning as Jamaica focuses on recovery and rebuilding, offering fresh perspectives on how technology can be leveraged to fortify Jamaica against future weather systems.

Earlier this year, ICT clubs across Jamaica were challenged to produce a three-minute video exploring how technology is shaping the future of work and the essential skills young people will need to succeed. Their victory not only brought national recognition but also gave them the opportunity to witness firsthand how digital tools transform societies worldwide.

They visited the European Commission’s Berlaymont Building and the Experience Europe Exhibition, where interactive displays demonstrated the EU’s commitment to digital policy, sustainability, and education.

For Obrien Rose, the Seaforth High School ICT Club president, the trip expanded his perspective on technology’s wider purpose.

“What surprised me most was how much emphasis they place on ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability in technology,” he shared. “It challenged my assumption that tech is only about social media or efficiency. In Europe, it’s also about fairness, privacy, and accessibility for everyone.”

Brianna Brooks shared similar sentiments, emphasizing how impressed she was with the use of technology to improve daily life.  

“What surprised me the most was how organised and connected Brussels is, especially when it comes to technology and infrastructure. I did not expect things like public transport, digital services, and government operations to be so efficient and user-friendly. It challenged my expectations because I realised that digital transformation is not just about having technology. It is about integrating it in a way that improves everyday life for everyone,” she shared.

She added that she hopes their experience encourages more young Jamaicans to get involved in the nation’s digital future.
 

EU, 2025

“I hope this trip inspires other young Jamaicans and professionals to embrace technology and get involved in the country’s digital transformation agenda. Seeing firsthand how innovation and digital tools can enhance education, work, and global collaboration has shown me that we all have a role to play. I want others to feel motivated to learn new skills, be creative with technology, and use it to help build a stronger, more connected Jamaica.”

For Matthew Rae Edmondson, the experience was eye-opening.

“Our trip to Europe was exciting. We were able to experience new cultures and a way of life outside of Jamaica. It took some time to adjust, but once I did, it was amazing. I also felt a huge sense of accomplishment knowing that I was one of the first to represent my school on the international stage,” he said.

Beyond their formal activities, including a meeting with Jamaica’s Ambassador  to the European Union, Ambassador Diedre Mills and the team at the Jamaican High Commission in Brussels,  the students also explored the city independently. From trying new foods to navigating the train system, and even taking a day trip to neighbouring Paris, the students made the most of every moment.

Llyana Copeland shared her favourite moments from the trip.

“Walking through Brussels felt like a fairy tale, but it was real,” she said, “my most memorable moment was when my team and I took the train for the first time. None of us had ever taken a train before, and we were all shocked by its speed and almost lost our balance when it moved off. Another memorable moment was discovering a chocolate shop while walking through the streets. They offered us samples that were delicious and extraordinary.”

Their teacher, Mr. Terron Strachan, who has guided them throughout their ICT journey, said the trip was equally enlightening for him.

“In Europe, everything is digital, from buying food to moving around the country,” he said. “I hope to educate my students to a greater extent about the use of technology in a global environment and guide them on emerging technologies that can be game changers in a developing country like Jamaica.”

Nepatra Bennett, Project Officer at the USF, who also chaperoned the trip, described it as a transformative experience for the students.

“For many, it was their first time travelling overseas, which was an incredible opportunity to broaden their horizons. Travelling to both Brussels and Paris exposed them to new cultures, histories, and perspectives, giving them a deeper appreciation of the global
context in which Jamaica operates,” she stated.

She also emphasised the broader significance of the students’ journey.

“Exposure to international dialogue and policymaking will inspire these students to think critically about Jamaica’s place in the world and their role in advancing national development. They gained valuable skills, from communication to adaptability, and a stronger sense of cultural awareness, shaping them into globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Jamaica’s growth,” she explained.

Back home, the lessons from Brussels have taken on new meaning in light of Hurricane Melissa’s impact. For Obrien, the experience reinforced his belief in the need for resilience through technology.

“The storm’s impact on infrastructure, especially communication networks and power systems, has slowed the country’s digital progress,” he said. “However, I believe Jamaica can use this experience to build together and invest in renewable energy, improved connectivity, and disaster-ready technology, ensuring that our digital future becomes even stronger and more sustainable.”

Mr. Strachan echoed those sentiments, viewing the setback as an opportunity for innovation.

“This is an opportunity for us as a people to design strategies, initiatives, or products that can help in mitigating the effects of these disasters. I view all situations with a learning outcome, and the most notable one here is how technology can be used to aid in natural disasters,” he said.

EU, 2025

As the Seaforth team looks ahead, their experiences in Brussels continue to inspire hope. From touring EU institutions to discovering new cultures and sharing insights with peers, they have returned home with renewed purpose. Their journey illustrates that even in the face of setbacks, Jamaica’s young people are ready to lead the nation toward a connected, innovative, and resilient future.

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