Code Queens program paves the way for future generations of skilled, confident young women in STEM in Jamaica

In the heart of Jamaica, a quiet revolution is taking shape—one that lights a spark in the minds of young girls and opens doors to futures they once thought unreachable. In communities like Majesty Gardens, Spanish Town, and Central Kingston, the Code Queens program is more than just a STEM initiative. It’s a lifeline to confidence, creativity, and leadership for 20 girls, each navigating a world that often overlooks their potential.

The ripple effects of Code Queens extend far beyond these 20 participants. Families and neighbors are watching as these young girls become community role models, inspiring broader support for women in STEM and showing what’s possible when potential meets opportunity.

This transformative journey began with the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation and the dedication of a Cuso International volunteer, Sierra, who helped secure the funding needed to make the project a reality. Together, they envisioned a space where girls could not only learn to code but also find their voices and recognize their true worth.

Code Queens immerses participants in the world of technology, teaching them to code and work with Microbit devices—versatile tools used in fields like science and health (e.g., monitoring environmental conditions or tracking biological data). But it’s not just about mastering software—it’s about empowering them to design real-world solutions, proving to themselves and their communities that they are creators, innovators, and leaders.

At its core, the program nurtures far more than technical skills. Through collaborative projects and confidence-building activities like the Confidence Club, these young girls are rewriting their own stories. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been encouraged to step forward, share their ideas, and see their own value.

Fourteen-year-old Jamelia captures this transformation best:

“I often felt like my opinions didn’t matter or that I might say the wrong thing, so I avoided speaking up in class or sharing my ideas. But being a part of the club, led by the Grace and Staff team, completely changed that for me. From day one, they created a space where every voice is valued and respected.”

The Confidence Club has become a sanctuary for these girls, a place where their challenges—low self-esteem, sadness, even depression—are met with compassion and solutions. One standout moment for many was the Mirror Affirmation Exercise, where they were asked to name three positive things about themselves each day.

At first, it felt awkward, Tianna, a 13-year-old participant, admitted. But over time, something shifted:

“I started to believe the words I was saying. I could look in the mirror and see someone capable, someone valuable.”

Recognizing the profound need to address mental health alongside technical education, the program plans to introduce therapeutic field trips in partnership with mental health professionals. These outings will provide opportunities for mindfulness, exploration, and healing, ensuring the girls are equipped not just for STEM careers but for life itself.

Sandrina Davis, CEO of Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation, envisions the program’s legacy:

“By the end of this journey, these will not just be girls proficient in coding—they will be confident young women who know there is a place for them in this world, and especially in the STEM sector.”

Funded by Global Affairs Canada through Cuso International’s SHARE project, this initiative is about more than economic or social development. It’s about reshaping the future for underserved girls in Jamaica, equipping them with the skills to lead, innovate, and thrive in a world that is finally recognizing their brilliance.