UTech, Ja. Helpers “Improving Lives One Act at a Time”
Student Group Hosts Charity Event for the Marie Atkins Night Shelter
Miss Danniell Brown (centre), 4th Year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BCAT) student and President, UTech, Ja. Helpers, along with Minister Kerrian Johnson of the Faith Worshipers Assembly of God and KJ Outreach Deliverance Ministry in discussion with Smile Jamaica, TVJ host Miss Dahlia Harris on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 during an interview on the programme.
UTech, Ja. Helpers is a group of 21 University of Technology, Jamaica students from various colleges and faculties who are doing the Management of Meetings and Events University elective for Semester 2, Academic Year 2016-17.
Facilitated by their lecturer, Mrs. Diana Shakes, School of Business Administration, each class takes the form of weekly meetings that brings together a group of highly-motivated students who are eager to explore and investigate field related topics. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills of event planning and meeting management through various modalities such as learning activities, group discussions, presentations, simulation and applied problem solving. These skills arm students with real time experience in working as a team to plan, prepare, present and execute ideas whilst watching as their efforts manifest.
The UTech, Ja Helpers student group chose the Marie Atkins Night Shelter located at 65 Hanover Street, downtown Kingston for their Management of Meeting and Events final project. The shelter which houses on average of 250 persons was chosen for the event execution in response to the high rate of homelessness in Jamaica and to highlight the significant efforts of the institution. Lecturer, Mrs. Diana Shakes notes that Ja Helpers “recognized the need to make a valuable contribution and have worked assiduously to fulfill their corporate social responsibility even as students,” adding that “with the knowledge and skills learnt, the students are then charged with the opportunity to propose, plan and execute an event that will contribute positively to the community and by extension the wider society.”
According to UTech Ja Helpers President, Miss Danniell Brown, 4th Year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BCAT) student, “often times we look at the homeless as outcasts of society but it is important to remember people in their current state of need and empathize with them. The night shelter has done a great deal to assist people in need, but does not get enough help or recognition. That is why my team and I believe we are the perfect group to inspire and encourage everyone at the shelter.” Miss Brown noted further that “the aim of the event is to inspire and encourage through the presenters and facilitators who can relate or assist the residents of the Night Shelter. It is important for the occupants at the shelter to know that people still care. Despite all the hardships or misfortune they may have found themselves in, people still truly care,” she said.
The Team will host the charity event “UpLift” with the tagline “Improving Lives One Act at a Time” at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will include a mini concert, guest speakers along with testimonials by persons who were once homeless. The event will also feature, a clothing drive, food, games and performances by reggae artistes D-medz and Pagey. Minister Kerrian Johnson of the Faith Worshipers Assembly of God and KJ Outreach Deliverance Ministry is among the presenters and performers.
Sponsors to date are UTech, Jamaica, Five Star WaterSports, Jojo Jerk Pit, Paperboy Jamaica, United Church of God, an International Association, Dutty Berry among others. Jamaica foundation for Life Long Learning is also expected on board.
The UTech, Jamaica community is invited to attend the event, volunteer to assist the students with staging the event and make donations of cash, food and clothing. The NCB Account number is 214282461.
For more information contact Miss Danniell Brown via email: danniellbrown@yahoo.com.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm