Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, this week invited Isle of Wight youngsters to Make IT Happy and win cash prizes for their schools.

The annual national Make IT Happy competition is held by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM), organised by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Technology and supported by MPs of all parties. The competition invites school children aged between 9-11 years old to win cash prizes for their schools and recognition for themselves by coming up with the best technology-based way to make people in their community happy.

The judges will be looking for imaginative, technology-based ideas which will have a positive impact on the local community. Children could try their hand at creating radio shows, making short films, producing original songs, building interactive websites or recording podcasts – anything that makes people smile. The more imaginative and positive, the better!

Prizes include cash rewards as well as invitations to a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament. A school from each region across the UK will win £1,200 and the top three entries will win a further £1,500, £2,500 or £4,000 for their schools.

Mr Turner said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for children to get creative with technology. Almost everyone uses IT in their daily lives, whether at home, school or work, and this competition gives young people the opportunity to showcase their skills, make people smile and win cash prizes for their schools. I know we have some very talented young people on the Island and this is a chance to demonstrate their skills.

“These days it is vital for children to gain IT literacy on top of the traditional subjects such as maths, English, sciences and humanities. This competition recognises children’s efforts, encourages them to use their imagination and gives them a good reason to hone their IT skills.”

Schools can find out more and sign up at the competition’s dedicated website: http://makeithappy.cc4g.net/


END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808