University of Technology, Jamaica 88 activities for 2020. This initiative was planned to impact over twelve (12) hub communities to include Gordon Town, August Town, Constitution Hill, Papine, Grants Pen and Cassia Park. The series geared at fostering holistic community wellness, involved health and services fairs, themed seminars tailored to the need of specific communities, recreational activities, and culminated with a cultural showcase in the Papine Square. The entire series was expected to be implemented over an eight (8) week period between February-April 2020. However, the activities commenced on Thursday February 20 and ended on Thursday March 5 impacting only two communities – Gordon Town and Gold Smith Villa for the Health and Service Fair and for the sporting activities – New Day Primary School and Gold Smith Villa. The Wellness Fest culminated prematurely due to the Novel Covid-19 Pandemic which resulted in a total cancellation of all the remaining activities. Community Service Initiatives in other Department/Faculties/Units Calvin McKain Library As part of the Library’s Community Service Outreach programme six (6) librarians and four (4) other library staff of the Calvin McKain Library visited the Craighton Primary School on Friday, November 1, 2019 during Library and Information Week 2019. The Craighton Primary School is situated in Irish Town, a rural district in St. Andrew, Eastern. Gifts of educational resources (books, stationery and charts) were purchased and delivered to the school. Funds were acquired through the Library’s Fundraising efforts (bake sale and donations). Kenton Hardy Memorial Scholarship Fund In September, 2019 the Calvin McKain Library hosted a Benefit Performance in the form of the play “Straight Jacket” at Center Stage, 2 Dominica Drive, New Kingston in aid of the Kenton Hardy Memorial Scholarship Fund which assists 2nd to 4th year students at the University. Included in the criteria is that all applicants must be actively participating in community service. Faculty of The Built Environment Mrs. Denice Ramharrack, Lecturer in the Caribbean School of Architecture coordinated the Holywell trips where students volunteered to assist with the maintenance of the park by planting trees, watering areas and ensuring the overall environmental health of the space Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies Ms Alicia Williams, lecturer donated some educational cassettes and a VCR to the UTech Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Exceptionalities. President’s Award – Community Service Mr. Junior Bennett, lecturer from the Faculty of Engineering and Computing received the President’s Awards for Excellence in community service in May. Donations to JN Children’s Home The Department solicited back to school supplies from the University community in support of the Jamaica National Children’s Home which was burnt-out on August 10, 2019. Items collected were dispatched to the Division of Community Service and Development Cont’d. Mr. Junior Bennett, Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Computing is all smiles as he accepts the President’s Award for Community Service from Professor Stephen Vasciannie. The Award is presented to an individual of group within the University who has made a major contribution to the development of the wider community, provided leadership in the University’s community service initiatives and programmes and who has demonstrated sustained commitment to the principles and practice of service to the community.
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