UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre celebrates 25th Silver Anniversary
The Mustard Seed Communities Centre which has been located at the University of Technology, Jamaica Papine Campus for the last quarter century, celebrated its 25th silver anniversary on January 31, 2024. The centre which is dedicated to providing care for children with disabilities operates under the auspices of the College of Health Sciences.
Dr. Adella Campbell, Dean, College of Health Sciences bringing greetings at the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre 25th silver anniversary blessing ceremony held on January 31, 2024 at the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre.
In bringing greetings at the ceremony, Dr. Adella Campbell, Dean, College of Health Sciences recognized the “resilience, growth and legacy of impact” that the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre embodies.
Dr. Campbell encouraged the organization's continued growth as they positively influence the lives of children and adults with disabilities. She noted that the College of Health Sciences is proud to collaborate with an organization that “recognizes the inherent worth of every person, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities, and strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”
Dr. Vanessa White-Barrow, Head, School of Allied Health and Wellness, College of Health Sciences presenting an overview of the partnership between UTech, Jamaica and the Mustard Seed Communities at the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre 25th silver anniversary blessing ceremony held on January 31, 2024.
Dr. Vanessa White-Barrow, Head, School of Allied Health and Wellness presented an overview of the partnership between UTech, Jamaica and the Mustard Seed Communities. She noted that the Mustard Seed Communities was established by Monsignor Ramkissoon to provide exceptional care for children with multiple disabilities.
In 1998, the partnership between UTech, Jamaica and the Mustard Seed Communities commenced through a training programme, which involved the recruitment of volunteers from the university's student body. These volunteers received training focused on caring for individuals with disabilities and helped them to formulate assessment strategies through long- distance training.
Dr. White-Barrow noted that the programme involved the training of Mustard Seed Communities caregivers in universal care, first aid, and sanitization, incorporating structured courses that culminated in an examination.
The College of Health Sciences has trained more than one hundred and sixty (160) caregivers since 2012 with lecturers from the College of Health Sciences, the School of Public Health and Health Technology (SPHHT) and the School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT).
Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, Founder, Mustard Seed Communities speaking at the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre 25th silver anniversary blessing ceremony held on January 31, 2024, on the grounds of the centre located on the university’s Papine Campus.
Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, Founder, Mustard Seed Communities expressed his deep appreciation for the work done by the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre. He noted that despite the challenges, “God is going to provide everything and more.”
He highlighted the potential of children with disabilities as he shared an inspiring story of a young girl from Nicaragua who represented the state of Georgia in the swimming special Olympics. She was later recruited by Disney to participate in an advertisement.
Monsignor Ramkissoon urged everyone to “celebrate the lives of these kids and their caregivers,” acknowledging the significant role of the caregivers in positively impacting the lives of the children. He further encouraged them to persevere in the continuation of their important work.
Miss Patrice Reid, Lecturer, School of Allied Health and Wellness, College of Health Sciences, in moving the vote of thanks expressed gratitude to Mrs. Carol Hutchinson, supervisor, Mustard Seed Communities Centre, along with her team, as well as the team from Mustard Seed Communities for celebrating this significant milestone. She encouraged, “do all the good you can, for all the people you can for as long as you can.”
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Karyl Powell- Booth (left), Lecturer, School of Allied Health and Wellness, College of Health Sciences cuts the celebratory cake with Mrs. Darcy Tulloch- Williams (centre), Executive Director, Mustard Seed Communities. Sharing in the photo is Mr. Anthony Brodber (right), Human Resource Manager, Mustard Seed Communities.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 818-5893
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm