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In a move to help bridge the gender gap in technology and expand access to digital education, more than 600 women and girls from Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean gained hands-on skills in artificial intelligence (AI) during the Tech4Girls: AI Skills for Success workshop, held in commemoration of Girls in ICT Day 2025.

The initiative was hosted by CANTO, in collaboration with the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and key regional stakeholders. Corporate partner bmobile played a critical role in supporting this year’s programme, which focused on equipping participants with practical skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Education is the foundation of national transformation and investing in young people is investing in a better future for all,” said TSTT CEO Kent Western, who visited the Carenage ICT Access Centre during the workshop. “By providing access to digital tools, skills, and knowledge, we are opening doors to limitless possibilities for our nation’s girls. Technology is the great equalizer and when we place it in the hands of our youth, we are preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow and transforming their future.”

Delivered virtually via the GSMA’s secure Kune4U platform, the initiative also provided physical access points at 24 AccessTT Centres across the country, ensuring girls from rural and underserved communities could participate fully. This hybrid approach enabled wider reach and inclusiveness.

CANTO Secretary General, Mrs. Teresa Wankin, highlighted the longstanding support of partners like bmobile, “CANTO extends sincere thanks to bmobile for its steadfast support of the Girls in ICT initiative. Year after year, bmobile answers the call, not only through financial sponsorship but also through active, on-the-ground engagement. This year, the visit of CEO, Mr. Kent Western, to the Carenage Access Centre left a lasting impression and reaffirmed the company’s deep commitment to youth empowerment through technology.”

To ensure seamless access and eliminate barriers, bmobile and TSTT subsidiary AMPLIA provided enhanced data connectivity at AccessTT Centres, bridging the digital divide and ensuring smooth participation for all attendees.

Participants joined from countries across the region, including Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, The Bahamas, and St. Lucia, demonstrating the programme’s growing regional impact.

In her feature address, Dr. Ayeisha Collymore, Senior ICT Economist at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, delivered a powerful message on inclusion and innovation. She said “Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a right. Innovation is born from diversity. If you are the only girl in a coding class, the youngest voice in a tech meeting, or the one asking ‘why not?’ when others say ‘we cannot’-you’re not out of place. You’re exactly where change begins.”

Participants like 19-year-old Shaniya Solomon of St. Joseph’s Convent walked away inspired and informed, “My favourite part was being introduced to such a wide range of AI capabilities I didn’t know existed,” said Solomon, a winner of a US$200 Amazon Gift Card. “The experience was great, and I definitely plan to use what I’ve learned to support my goals, while making sure not to become overly reliant on AI.”

As the demand for digital talent continues to rise, initiatives like Tech4Girls demonstrate the power of partnership in creating inclusive opportunities and building a more digitally prepared generation.
When we invest in girls, we invest in a smarter, stronger, and more connected tomorrow.