Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 5

7 May – August 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica T he Government of Jamaica, through its Ministry of National Security, has forged a partnership under a Memorandum of Understanding with the University to facilitate the design and delivery of the technology component of the Ministry’s Summer Programme in six primary schools in the St. Andrew South Police Division. The Ministry’s Summer Programme which seeks to engage a maximum of 391 Grade 6 students located in the St. Andrew South Police Division in support of their transitioning into secondary school, is part of a wider initiative aimed at utilizing music, sports and technology “to shape social exchanges and perspectives of young persons, reduce juvenile delinquency as well as promote contact with positive role models.” The University, in the delivery of the technology component of the programme, made available its computer lab facilities and expertise for the design and delivery of areas such as introduction to Animation and students’ sensitization on utilizing online platforms for learning, such as Zoom and Google Classroom. The programme, which ran from July 15-31, 2020 at the University’s Papine Campus, was led by the Department of Community Service and Development in collaboration with the School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT) and the Office of Distance Learning. Mr. Paulton Gordon, Director, Community Service and Development explained that in keeping with current guidelines and protocols for physical distancing, 30 students were accommodated on the Campus each day from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm for classes. He thanked the various arms of UTech, Jamaica that collaborated to bring the project to fruition, noting that, “this partnership with MNS is hopefully the start of a deeper and broader relationship as we attempt to modify the behaviour of some of our underserved youth.” President (Acting) Professor Colin Gyles in welcoming the outreach partnership with the Ministry said that “UTech, Jamaica is pleased to be engaged in this very worthy collaboration that allows us to support education and youth development.” He added that “it is our hope that through this summer programme the lives of young persons will be meaningfully impacted to change their future for the better.” Mr. Paulton Gordon (standing), Director, Community Service and Development addresses students participating in the special summer technology programme for Grade 6 students being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of National Security, at the first day of classes on July 15, 2020 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. UTech, Jamaica Partners with Ministry of National Security For Youth Intervention Summer Technology Programme