A UK-based charity called The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital technology into the hands of educators and students all over the world so they can understand and shape our increasingly digital society. This organization provides low-cost, high-performance computers that people use to learn, solve problems, and have fun. In essence, the mini-computer is a powerful tool aimed at creating another generation of much needed computer-literate people who will not just become consumers, but innovators and industry leaders as well.
Seven years after the first Raspberry Pi was created, the foundation’s educational convention, called the Raspberry Pi Jam, first came to Belize, and has sparked a growth in our local tech enthusiast community. In Belize, the Raspberry Pi computer has become the base of the Public Utilities Commission’s Young Innovators Program. The P.U.C.’s ultimate goal is to support the country’s future inventors, scientists, and specialists in mathematics, the sciences, technology, and engineering.
On Friday, November 10, 2017, students from across Belize converged at the Princess Ramada Hotel and Casino to show off what they have developed using the miniature computer with a few notable results and end products. Prominent among them were the founders of the software development company LXJ Code Belize, who have developed seven software apps.
Teams from 24 high schools countrywide have also followed their lead and a few of their more innovative students were also there to showcase futuristic items such as Corozal Community College’s vest for the visually impaired that vibrates when people and objects are near, which placed second, and Mount Caramel’s digital attendance and student tracker, all based on Raspberry Pi technology.
The Stann Creek Ecumenical College placed first with their flood planning project. Third was Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker. Belize High School of Agriculture of Orange Walk and Sadie Vernon Technical High School of Belize City rounded off the top 5. The first place winner received a smart board, second and third place winners received 3-D scanners, while fourth and fifth place winners received robotic kits.
Needless to say, the Raspberry Pi computer and The Raspberry Pi Jam have created a much-needed atmosphere of innovation and technological enthusiasm that is usually lacking in developing countries. Even the minister of education was there to show support, share his expertise, and talk about plans of expanding the program across the education system. “The use of the Raspberry Pi is something that I think can take us very far, maybe not only because of the use of the device itself, but the fact that the children and the young people are engaged in the use of technology.” All in all, the future of Belize looks bright when some of our own are planning and pushing to make themselves and our country a part of the digital economy.
