A Caymanian youth development initiative introducing schoolchildren in the British Virgin Islands to drone technology has been honoured by the International Association of Lions Clubs.
The DRIFT Drones in School 2026 Aerial Robotics Workshop and Challenge was awarded “New and Impactful Project of the Year” by Lions Clubs International Sub-District 60B, which comprises 59 clubs across the Caribbean, for its recent multi-day events for students and educators from across the BVI.
Students from schools including Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, and Bregado Flax Educational Centre took part in the initiative. It culminated in an aerial robotics challenge during the National Science Fair, during which students showcased their newly developed drone piloting, coding, engineering and problem-solving skills.
Positive change
The award recognises innovative projects that introduce new solutions to community challenges, create measurable impact and inspire positive change. The winning programme forms part of the broader DRIFT Drones in School Initiative, a Caribbean-focused educational platform designed to expose young people to the rapidly growing field of drones, robotics, aviation, and digital technology, while helping to build the skills required for tomorrow’s economy.
Dervon McKellop, CEO of DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services and director of the DRIFT Drones in School Programme, said, “This recognition represents much more than an award. It represents what is possible when Caribbean organisations unite around a shared vision for young people.
“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.”
McKellop is hopeful that he will be able to introduce the programme to students in schools in Cayman, which introduces students to key areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through interactive learning experiences in drone technology, aerodynamics and coding.
A licensed commercial drone pilot, McKellop is the coach of Jamaica’s drone soccer team that recently won the Pan Americas Championship, and he hopes that Cayman will soon be able to have its own national team.
“We want to build a team which will allow the Cayman Islands to compete internationally,” he said, adding that he hopes to repeat the success of last year’s drone soccer event soon.
Drone project
As well as its education projects, DRIFT works with law enforcement agencies, utility providers and construction companies across the region, surveying land, power lines and even supporting efforts to detect drug smuggling.
Project chair and Lions Club of Tortola member Daphodil Sampson said the initiative reflects the core mission of Lions Clubs International and its global commitment to youth development.
“At the heart of Lions Club 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 youth 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 added.
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