UWI students treat August Town

The showers may have delayed the recently concluded back-to-school treat hosted last Sunday. However, despite the late start, all activities were executed as planned by the University of The West Indies Guild of Students.

Residents of the August Town community, mainly consisting of parents and students, were showered with gifts, food and entertainment, courtesy of the University of the West Indies, Mona.

The External Affairs Committee (EAC) of the University of the West Indies Guild Council is responsible for outreach programmes. This project was the first under the new EAC committee selected in UWI's May, 2012 elections.

The treat was part of an annual outreach programme now spearheaded by the new External Affairs Chairman Gareth Robotham, and was aimed at preparing the students of August Town for the new school year.

Corporate Jamaica also played a role in the event, as insurance company Sagicor made its services available to the August Town community and provided free services such as height, weight, eye and ear checks for the children.

children kept busy

For the duration of the event, the children were kept active through entertaining games and informative interaction with members of the UWI EAC committee.

This enthusiasm transcended when they received their packages for school which contained basic stationery items. The Greater August Town Women in Action group provided light refreshment for the children and their parents.

In addition to producing a sound entertainment package for the children, the EAC committee also attempted to resocialise the children ahead of the new school year.

Robotham, who spoke on behalf of the guild and the EAC committee, emphasised the importance of education. He also said that the UWI Guild is committed to community and youth development.

Dr Olivene Burke, representing UWI Township, was also present at the event and she informed the audience of five scholarships that were currently attainable by residents of August Town, once they met the matriculation requirements of the University of the West Indies.

"The evening ended on a good note. Parents left feeling encouraged and children who turned out were happy because now they would start the new school year with new stationery," Robotham said.