Community Service & Development

About utech

Mission - H.A.R.V.E.S.T.

The Department will impact communities through a HARVEST of collaborative efforts:

Health– Promoting health and wellness in our communities.

Artistic Expressions – Promoting and supporting the creative arts.

Rights/Responsibilities-Educating citizens on their rights and civic responsibilities and promoting ethical behavior.

Vocational Training– Providing community members with the skills and knowledge for employment and alternative livelihood.

Enterprise/Education: Promoting social enterprise and preparing community youths for external examinations.

Sports-Organizing and promoting community sports.

Teamwork–Fostering unity and harmony in all community activities.

The Department of Community Service & Development aims to:

Involve the entire University community in service and development.
Develop a commitment to service in all students of the University.
Work with the members of the communities in which the University operates.
Identify areas of national interest where the University, working in collaboration with stakeholders, can offer its expertise in providing solutions.
Ensure that the University is an active leader and partner in the nation’s development.
Strengthen the bonds between staff and students by engaging in common goals of service

Director's Message

Mission HARVEST: ‘ Reaping the benefits of togetherness’

Community service has been historically placed at the forefront of the University’s core mandate and is indeed one of the pillars of the mission. The entire University family is encouraged to be socially responsible by volunteering their time and competences in support of socio-cultural, economic and environmental endeavors.

Students at University of Technology, Jamaica contribute immensely to worthwhile causes through the Community Service Programme (CSP) module which affords them the opportunity to cover 40 hours of service at a not for profit institution or state agency. The relationship is symbiotic as the institution bolsters their human resource needs while the interaction offers opportunities for students to grow in areas such as confidence, self-esteem, and empathy for the less fortunate.

The Department of Community Service initiates a number of outreach activities designed to support the needs of communities. These activities include health fairs, seminars, vocational training, community sports and educational initiatives. Independent of the centrally planned activities, faculties and department also advocate for and implement altruistic projects that benefit targeted communities and needy groups.

The Department of Community Service & Development has developed valuable relationships with agencies such as the Social Development Commission (SDC), Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), HEART Trust NSTA and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), which has fostered greater collaboration and impact as we serve our communities.

The thrust to serve is entrenched in the culture of the University and this has assisted in the positive relationship with the communities adjacent to our campuses as well as with the wider stakeholders who benefit from philanthropic endeavours. As we strive to support those who are less fortunate, we continue to hope that we can ignite the passion for service and volunteerism across the length and breadth of Jamaica, land we love.

Regards
Paulton Gordon