UTech Annual Report 2018-19

Accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 University of Technology, Jamaica 84 Division of Community Service and Development Mr. Paulton Gordon Director, Department of Community Service and Development The Department of Community Service and Development seeks to align its purpose with that of the University’s mission to positively impact Jamaica and the wider Caribbean through high quality learning opportunities, research and value added solutions to government, industry and communities. Local and International Linkages and Collaborations Highlights of the period include the staging of the Papine wellness Fest which involved a series of health and service fairs, sporting events and seminars which impacted 10 communities in Kingston and St Andrew. The department also partnered with Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) to provide team Jamaica training for student volunteers who assisted in the production and execution of the Newcastle Coffee Festival. Saturday classes for primary, secondary and adult students continued during semesters 1 and 2. The Department of Community Service and Development continues to provide students in the community with classes aimed at developing their Mathematics and English Language skills in preparation for PEP, GNAT and CSEC examinations. Seventeen (17) students registered for the May/June CSEC examination and fifteen (15) actually sat the exams for the first time. Five (5) of them obtained a passing grade. The students were prepared for the PEP examination, CXC and the Grade 9 achievement test. UTech Ja student and staff volunteers provided instruction to these students free of charge. Faculties, departments and the Students’ Union carried out various outreach initiatives ranging from fundraising for student scholarship funds, health fairs, environmental related projects, cancer awareness drives and collection drives to support institutions that facilitate the less fortunate. The Department continues to assist with the coordination of the CSP (1001) module and manages the relationship between the students and the institutions where they are placed to complete the required 40 hours of volunteer engagement. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Street Blitz The Department collaborated with the Jamaica Cancer Society to promote and increase awareness