18-year-old Jessy Kalala, a young creative from Foróige’s Computer Clubhouse in Blanchardstown is one of 25 students from 12 countries selected for this years class of Adobe Creativity Scholars. Young filmmakers, social entrepreneurs and artists like Jessy were selected in recognition of their strong academic performance, leadership, global awareness and creativity.
This scholarship represents one of many positive outcomes of the collaborative work being carried out by the TechSpace national movement, involving organisations like Camara Ireland and Foróige, all striving to improve the digital literacy of young people.
Jessy says, “I'm going to be starting my degree in Commercial Modern Music in DIT in September and I'm extremely excited. Getting this scholarship has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. I'm really excited to start college in September knowing I don't have to worry about how I’m going to pay for it.”
Foróige, Ireland’s leading youth development organisation is one of the founding members of TechSpace which is now facilitated in Foróige Clubs and Youth Projects throughout Ireland.
“Today’s young creatives have an unprecedented influence on the world around them. They are igniting discussions on social and environmental issues with creativity that can transcend global boundaries. Using digital story making, they can translate personal experiences and perspectives into media that has the power to create real change in communities around the world.” Patricia Cogley, Senior Manager of the Adobe Youth Voices Programme.
Siobhán Hennessy, Jessy’s Adobe Youth Voices Educator and Foróige Youth Worker said:
“The Techspace Adobe Youth Voices Programme allows me as an educator to work with extremely talented young people on a daily basis. We provide the space, the skills and the technology, enabling them to take their creativity one step further so they can express themselves using the best tools technology has to offer."
