Drone education project wins regional Lions Clubs International award

A Jamaican-led youth initiative integrating technology, education and community service has earned recognition within the Lions Club movement for its work across the region.

The DRIFT Drones in School 2026 Aerial Robotics Workshop and Challenge, delivered by DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services and led by Jamaican Dervon McKellop, in partnership with the Lions Club of Tortola and the British Virgin Islands Ministry of Education, has been named ‘New and Impactful Project of the Year’ by Lion Judy King, PMJF, district governor of Lions Clubs International Sub-District 60B.

The multi-day programme brought together students and educators from across the British Virgin Islands, including Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School and Bregado Flax Educational Centre. It culminated in an aerial robotics challenge at the National Science Fair, where students demonstrated skills in drone piloting, coding, engineering and problem-solving.

The award recognises initiatives that address community needs with innovative approaches and measurable impact. Competition is strong: Sub-District 60B comprises 59 Lions Clubs across 16 English-speaking Caribbean countries, collectively contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year in fields ranging from education and health care to disaster response and youth development.

Against this backdrop, the DRIFT Drones in School programme stood out for its focus on preparing young people for the future of work. Students were introduced to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on training in drone technology, aerodynamics, coding, autonomous systems and sensor-based navigation. They also explored teamwork, critical thinking and career pathways within the drone industry.

Beyond technical instruction, the programme sought to broaden ambition. It encouraged participants to see themselves as future engineers, pilots, programmers and entrepreneurs in a fast-evolving digital economy.

The initiative forms part of a wider Caribbean-focused platform designed to expose young people to emerging technologies while equipping them with practical skills.

“This recognition represents much more than an award, it represents what is possible when Caribbean organisations unite around a shared vision for young people,” said McKellop, CEO of DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services and director of the DRIFT Drones in School Programme.

“We believe Caribbean students deserve access to the same cutting-edge opportunities available anywhere in the world. They should not only be prepared for the future; they should have the opportunity to help create it. This programme provides students with access to technology, mentorship, and experiences that can open doors they may never have imagined. We are deeply grateful to the Lions Club of Tortola and the Ministry of Education for embracing this vision and helping bring it to life in the British Virgin Islands,” he said.

For the Lions Club, the project reflects a shift in how service is delivered. Daphodil Sampson, project chair and a member of the Lions Club of Tortola, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s emphasis on youth development.

“At the heart of Lionism is service, but service is also about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping young people realise their full potential,” Sampson said.

 “This initiative demonstrates what modern community service can look like, bringing together education, innovation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to prepare Caribbean youths for the future. What made this project truly special was the collaboration behind it. DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services brought the technical expertise and vision, the Ministry of Education supported the educational mission, and our volunteers, educators, students, and community partners helped transform an idea into an experience that is now receiving regional recognition,” she said.

The programme is already attracting interest from across the region, with schools, service organisations and policymakers exploring how it might be replicated elsewhere.