Jamaica Unveils FunDoo

Worldwide, young people have an urgent need for more effective life skills learning. UNICEF, in collaboration with Generation Unlimited India and Udhyam Learning Foundation, launched FunDoo, a digital life coach designed to equip young people with the skills needed for success in the 21st century. Since its deployment in 2021, the innovative tool has amplified its presence and is now active in 14 countries, with UNICEF Jamaica being the latest country to launch the platform. 

Bringing FunDoo to Jamaica was the result of a year-long effort that involved extensive collaboration with over 200 young people from across the country. Their valuable insights shifted the content to equip young people with skills to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.  

FunDoo is a part of U-Report Jamaica’s comprehensive services, which include U-Matter, a mental health chatline, and Yute Chatz, which provides information on sexual and reproductive health for youth. Available nationwide, to connect, young people text the word “FunDoo” to the U-Report Jamaica WhatsApp number to complete bite-sized activities that offer specific learning outcome. 

Olga Isaza, UNICEF Jamaica Country Representative, expressed excitement over joining the FunDoo ecosystem, stating that it is a “significant step in our journey to connect young people who are not in school, not employed and not in training with transition towards training and employment opportunities. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of soft skills that were highlighted by youth during our consultations.” 

Close collaboration with committed partners is key to bridging the digital divide. FunDoo’s development was made possible with the support of partners such as the HEART NSTA Trust, Project Star and Jamaica’s two major telecommunications providers - Digicel and FLOW. These organizations aligned with UNICEF to ensure that FunDoo is accessible to all young people in Jamaica by providing free access to the U-Report platform via SMS, as well as offering mobile credit incentives for FunDoo users.  

Danielle Mullings, one of Jamaica’s first U-Reporters, is now Project Manager at UNICEF. Reflecting as a youth leader, Danielle emphasized the transformative potential of FunDoo, describing it as “a gateway to a world of possibilities where young Jamaicans can acquire crucial life skills, ignite their potential, and ultimately shape their own destinies.”  

With its activation, Jamaica joins 13 other countries in deploying FunDoo. Globally, the tool has reached over 1 million young people, unlocking their potential and preparing them for the future.