Digital Youth final celebrates innovation
Thu, March 23, 2023
Coleraine College was named the overall winner at this year’s Digital Youth final which took place on Tuesday 21st March in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.
Its Smart Bag project greatly impressed the judges, with the runner-up award shared by Limavady Grammar School and Limavady High School.
Special Recognition awards were also presented on the day - Innovative Product: Smart Pen Limavady Grammar School; Best Presentation: Thermobottle St Mary's Limavady; Innovation: Sport Pod Ballymoney High School; Outstanding Individual: Andy from MHA Ballymoney High School; Most Creative Design: Recyclops St Mary's Limavady.
The competition is supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and delivered by entrepreneurship skills charity, Young Enterprise.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace who met with pupils during the event, said:
"It is inspiring to see young people using digital technologies to create new and innovative business ideas. The two winning groups, and all the young people involved are great examples of the amazing talent we have in our schools, and in years to come they will be a part of our digital workforce."
Young Enterprise Chief Executive, Carol Fitzsimons, said:
"The level of creativity and innovation from the young people who took part in the Digital Youth Programme from across Causeway Coast and Glens is very encouraging. We would like to thank the council, the schools and the young people involved for making the programme such a success."
13 presentations were made on the day from participating schools after they received a digital workshop which allowed them to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience. Over 1000 pupils took part altogether, experimenting with technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
The participating schools were Limavady High School, Limavady Grammar School, Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle High School, Ballymoney High School, St Conor's College, Kilrea, Coleraine College, Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunluce School, North Coast Integrated College, Coleraine Grammar School, St Patrick's College, and St Mary's Limavady.
