With the global digital economy rapidly growing, the Ministry of Digital Transformation has launched several initiatives to empower youth and drive innovation, including a gaming workshop with the hope of getting young people interested in pursuing a career in tech and gaming.
Hosted by the Member of Parliament for Arouca/Maloney, Camille Robinson-Regis, in collaboration with the Branford Foundation, these young minds were opened to the possibilities through discussion and play.
Chairman of the Arouca/Maloney Constituency, Dr. Jelani Reid, noted that many successful software engineers, game developers, and entrepreneurs started out curious, just like those in attendance.
“Gaming and technology provide opportunities for young people to create, innovate, and thrive in an industry that is shaping the modern world. Whether you want to design the next big video game, develop a mobile app, or build a tech start-up, everything starts with learning, networking, and experimenting. Exactly what this workshop offers.”
Professional video game designer Stephen Oyarijivbie encouraged the participants to chase after their dreams. Mr. Oyarijivbie gave the children a presentation, which generated some interesting questions.
The children were particularly curious about how they can begin a career in video game software development.
“Going to school, I was always watching behind-the-scenes videos of God of War and who was working on it and how they were doing that. I was inspired by how they created a character like Kratos and what his journey would be like to take on the huge titans or take on the different gods or something like that. But the pivotal moment for me is when I saw someone who looked like myself working on those games.”
One of the participants called the workshop a blessing.
“I actually would like to do it because he showed us some of the different engines, like Unreal Engine, the Maya, and I just have to learn a little more about the Photoshop. But I actually have plans that I can develop, if given the opportunity, for a game about Trinidad, and trust me, it will be sold out.”
To conclude the evening, the children were invited to have some fun on the newest generation of gaming consoles.