Jessy Kalala, an 18-year-old student from Blanchardstown, is one of 25 students from 12 countries to receive Adobe Foundation’s annual Creativity Scholarship, which will fund his third-level education fees for the duration of his chosen course.
A member of Foróige’s Computer Clubhouse in Blanchardstown, Kalala was chosen from a raft of young filmmakers, social entrepreneurs and artists. The scholarship is awarded as recognition of a candidate’s strong academic performance, leadership, global awareness and creativity.
TechSpace, a programme hosted by the social enterprise Camara Ireland, is the Irish network partner of the Adobe Foundation. It delivers the Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) programme to young people and educators throughout Ireland.
“I’m going to be starting my degree in commercial modern music in DIT in September and I’m extremely excited,” said Kalala.
“Getting this scholarship has opened so many doors of opportunity up for me. I’m really excited to start college in September now knowing I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay for it.”
Foróige, Ireland’s leading youth organisation, is one of the founding members of TechSpace, which is now facilitated in Foróige clubs and projects across Ireland.
“Today’s young creatives have unprecedented influence on the world around them. They are igniting discussions on social and environmental issues with creativity that can transcend global boundaries,” said Patricia Cogley, senior manager at AYV.
“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.”
