A Young Jamaican Shaping Technology’s Future

For fifth-form Wolmer’s Boys’ School student Aakarshan Cumberland, technology is more than an academic interest or a hobby. It is an opportunity to explore, create, solve problems and, ultimately, make a meaningful difference in the world. A member of the Robotics Society at Wolmer’s Boys’ School in Kingston, Jamaica, 16-year old Cumberland has steadily developed his skills as a programmer, contributing to the school’s robotics programme and setting his sights on becoming captain of the team in the near future.

His growing passion for technology has already taken him beyond the classroom, having participated in the World Championship for Robotics in April this year, an experience that further strengthened his appreciation for innovation, collaboration and the possibilities within STEM.

Outside robotics, the young innovator enjoys programming personal projects, exploring new technologies and expanding his knowledge. He has also been involved in swimming and hopes to take up lacrosse, reflecting an interest in maintaining a balance between academics, technology and extracurricular activities.

“My journey at Wolmer’s has been influential in shaping both my character and my future goals. Skills such as time management, resilience, and hard work are just some of the many qualities that Wolmer’s has helped instil in me,” he shared.

We caught up with Cumberland during the recent IEEE Talent and Technology Expo in Kingston, where the talented student spoke about his introduction to programming, his robotics experience, his ambitions and why he believes young Jamaicans have an important role to play in shaping the future of technology.

A Fascination with How Things Work

His interest in technology began at an early age, driven by a natural curiosity about electronics and how different devices function. “Growing up, I often enjoyed taking apart electronics and trying to understand how they worked. My interest in programming began when I discovered coding languages and started learning languages such as Python and HTML.”

However, it was his introduction to the Wolmer’s robotics programme in third form that proved to be a defining moment. “I attended a club meeting and was fascinated by the robots they showcased and how the members explained their creations. That experience really sparked my interest in robotics and programming,” he recalled.

Since then, programming has become an increasingly important part of his life. Cumberland believes it is a valuable skill because it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving while opening doors to opportunities across numerous professional fields.

“Apart from being one of my hobbies, I also found programming interesting through my involvement in robotics, especially when it came to programming the robot and seeing the results of my work.”

He has also developed an interest in website development, an area that has challenged him to look beyond the basics of coding.

“When I first started learning, I thought it would be relatively simple, but I came to realise just how much goes into creating a functional, well-designed website. From the structure and appearance to the features and functionality, there’s a lot more to it than I initially expected. I find that complexity interesting, and it motivates me to keep learning and experimenting with new things.”

Learning by Doing

While still exploring the many possibilities within technology, Cumberland has identified robotics, biomedical engineering and biofabrication as areas that particularly capture his imagination.

He currently works primarily with Python, Java, CSS and JavaScript, having acquired much of his knowledge through independent learning, online resources, tutorials and experimentation.

“I enjoy learning by actually building things, as it allows me to apply what I’ve learned, identify gaps in my understanding and develop my problem-solving skills. Through robotics, I’ve also gained experience using programming tools to develop and improve the functionality of our robot,” he explained.

Among his personal projects is a website he is developing for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics community. The proposed platform is designed to serve as a scouting resource, allowing FTC teams to collect, access and analyse information about competing teams and their robots. The information could then help teams develop more effective competition strategies based on individual strengths, capabilities and playing styles.

Cumberland said the idea came from recognizing the importance of data collection and preparation in robotics competitions.

“What makes this project especially meaningful to me is its potential impact beyond just my own team. I’d like to create something that other FTC teams can benefit from as well, helping them make more informed decisions and get the most out of their competitions.”
The project has also provided an opportunity to challenge himself and explore aspects of web development with which he was previously unfamiliar.

For Cumberland, however, learning to code is not always a straightforward process. He identifies research as one of the more demanding aspects of programming, noting that developing a project requires considerably more than simply sitting down and writing lines of code.

“Before starting a project, you have to research different approaches, understand the tools you’ll be using and figure out how everything fits together. Even while coding, there’s a constant need to look things up, troubleshoot problems and test different solutions. Sometimes, I find myself spending more time researching a particular concept than actually writing code.”

His approach has been to break projects into smaller, manageable tasks, consult documentation and tutorials, experiment with different solutions and review his work to identify areas for improvement.

Over time, he has come to appreciate that research is just as important as the actual coding process.

The IEEE Experience: Expanding His Horizons

His participation in the IEEE Talent and Technology Expo was another opportunity to broaden his understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Keen to learn more about developments beyond what he encounters at school, Cumberland welcomed the opportunity to hear from industry professionals, engage with other innovators and gain insight into emerging technologies. “One of my biggest takeaways from the expo was just how quickly technology is advancing and how important it is for us to keep up with those changes.”

A particular highlight was listening to Amber Group founder Ambassador Dushyant Savadia discuss artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the future. “What stood out to me was how he explained that AI is becoming more than just another technological development; it’s something that will change the way we live, work and interact with the world.”

The presentation prompted him to reflect on the importance of young people embracing artificial intelligence and understanding the opportunities it presents. “His talk really got me thinking about how important it is for us, especially as young people, to understand and embrace these advancements rather than fall behind. AI is already becoming a part of our everyday lives, and I believe it’s important that we learn how to use it and recognise the opportunities it presents.”

He added that the expo helped him appreciate how interconnected different areas of STEM are, and how the programming skills he is developing today could eventually be applied in fields he has not yet considered.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Wolmer’s Robotics team to showcase its robot and share some of the work being undertaken by its members. “It was a great experience being able to demonstrate what we had built while also engaging with people who shared an interest in technology and innovation. I enjoyed hearing different perspectives, learning about the projects others were working on and having the opportunity to exchange ideas with them.”

One important lesson he took away was that nobody needs to know everything before becoming involved in technology. “Everyone starts somewhere, and being willing to ask questions, share ideas and learn from others is just as important as having technical knowledge.”

His experience competing at the World Championship for Robotics in April further reinforced that belief, demonstrating what young people can accomplish when given opportunities to explore their interests and develop their abilities.

Technology as a Catalyst for Jamaica’s Development

Beyond his personal ambitions, Cumberland has a strong interest in how technology can contribute to Jamaica’s development. He believes there are significant opportunities to use innovation to address challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture and public transportation.

He points to the potential of digital systems to improve access to healthcare, technological applications to help farmers monitor crops and use resources more efficiently, and better information-sharing systems among public institutions.

“I think the important thing is to recognize that technology isn’t just about creating impressive products; it’s about finding practical ways to make people’s lives better,” he posited.

He is equally optimistic about the opportunities available to young Jamaicans, particularly given the increasing accessibility of programming resources and digital tools. “We no longer have to be in a major technology hub to learn programming, develop applications or contribute to projects that can reach an international audience.”

He believes artificial intelligence presents another opportunity for young people to explore new fields, develop innovative ideas, solve problems and even establish businesses.
“Jamaica has the talent and creativity to contribute meaningfully to the global technology industry. We just need to continue investing in our skills, embracing innovation and giving young people the opportunities to put their ideas into practice,” he emphasized.

While acknowledging the important work being done by Jamaican schools to introduce students to technology, Cumberland believes there is room to expand practical STEM education.

He would like to see more schools introduce or strengthen programmes in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, supported by access to equipment, mentorship and extracurricular opportunities. “Technology is becoming such an important part of everyday life that students should have more opportunities to engage with it practically, rather than only learning about it in theory.”

He stressed that although not every student will pursue a career in technology, every student should have an opportunity to understand and explore what the field has to offer.

A Future at the Intersection of Technology and Healthcare

Looking ahead over the next five to ten years, Cumberland hopes to pursue higher education in a discipline related to software or biomedical engineering.

His particular interest lies at the intersection of robotics, biomedical engineering and biofabrication, where he sees tremendous potential to combine programming, engineering, biology and medicine to improve healthcare and quality of life.

Artificial intelligence is another area he hopes to explore, particularly its potential to make emerging technologies more efficient and capable.

One of his ambitions is to contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Jamaica through the development of robotic technologies and biomedical engineering applications.

Rather than focusing solely on healthcare management or appointment systems, he is interested in exploring how technology can improve the actual delivery of medical services.

“For example, developing robotic technologies that assist medical professionals, improve patient care or make certain medical procedures more accessible.”

He is particularly interested in medical devices and assistive technologies that address practical challenges, especially in environments where resources and specialized equipment may be limited.

“My goal would be to contribute to solutions that aren’t just technologically interesting, but have a practical purpose and positively impact people’s lives,” he emphasized. Ultimately, his ambition is to become more than a user of technology developed by others. He wants to be part of the generation creating the next wave of innovation.

“My biggest dream is to create something that genuinely makes a difference. I’d love to be involved in developing technology that pushes boundaries, particularly in biomedical engineering and robotics. To also represent Jamaica on a larger stage in the technology industry and show what young innovators are capable of.”

A Message to Aspiring Young Innovators

Balancing his academic responsibilities with programming, robotics and other interests is not always easy. However, Cumberland has learned the importance of prioritization, discipline and time management.

He makes a conscious effort to place his schoolwork first while finding time to pursue the activities that inspire him. He also recognizes that participation in extracurricular activities provides opportunities to develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom.

For students interested in programming, his advice is simple: start exploring. He encourages young people not to be intimidated by the complexity of technology or the misconception that they need expensive equipment or extensive knowledge to get started.
“There are plenty of free resources, tutorials and learning platforms available online. What’s important is having an interest in the subject and being willing to put in the time to learn.”

He recommends experimenting with different ideas, undertaking small projects and embracing the trial-and-error process that comes with programming. “Rather than letting the complexity of something discourage you, use it as an opportunity to develop your skills and understanding.”

As he continues his journey at Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Cumberland is focused on strengthening his technical abilities, contributing to the Robotics Society and positioning himself for further opportunities in STEM.

His message to Jamaica is equally compelling: young people should not underestimate their capacity to compete, innovate and contribute on the international stage. “Sometimes, I think we underestimate what we can achieve because of the resources or opportunities we may not always have access to. Through my experience in robotics, particularly having the opportunity to compete at the World Championship, I’ve seen firsthand what young people can accomplish when they’re given the chance to explore their interests and develop their skills.”

“Investing in young people means investing in the future of Jamaica. With the right guidance, resources and opportunities, we can move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere and become people who are actively creating them.”

For this young Wolmerian, the journey is only beginning. Armed with curiosity, determination and an eagerness to learn, Aakarshan Cumberland,16,  is already demonstrating that the next generation of Jamaican innovators is not simply preparing for the future of technology…they’re getting ready to help shape it. 

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