19 October – December 2022 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Forty-four Mustard Seed Communities caregivers graduated from a Long Distance Learning training course offered by the University of Technology, Jamaica’s College of Health Sciences on December 6, 2022, at a ceremony hosted at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. The Long Distance Learning course, facilitated through the UTech, Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre, was offered during the summer of 2021 and 2022, and focused on caring for children with exceptionalities. Mrs. Carol Hutchinson, Supervisor, UTech Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre, noted that the course was offered to caregivers from the Mustard Seed Communities who work with persons living with disabilities, as well as those diagnosed with HIV/Aids and pregnant teens. She outlined that the course objectives included practical aspects, such as identifying and employing play for children with disabilities, preparation of balanced meals, using appropriate meal planning techniques, as well as theoretical aspects, including identifying the basic rights of citizens, particularly those persons living with disabilities, and evaluation of the different cycles of change, learning theories, and the dynamic role of change agents. The course also included introduction to ICT concepts, patient record management techniques and tools and First Aid training. “The Long Distance Learning training programme provides the caregivers with the various skills and knowledge added to their practical nursing certification, and enables them to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a more effective way,” she expressed. Dr. Sonia Richards-Malcolm, Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences, who brought greetings on behalf of Dr. Adella Campbell, Dean, COHS, pointed to the theme of the graduation “Embracing the Disabilities Act towards Inclusion” as apt, noting that the long-distance training course forms part of the University’s thrust to foster inclusion in society. She congratulated the College of Health Sciences’ team for their dedication in “successfully guiding” the caregivers during the training course. Guest speaker was Mrs. Therrain Davis, Programme Director, Child and Adolescent Development, COHS who urged caregivers to engage in self-care to safeguard their health, even as they devote themselves to caring for others.” Greetings were also received from Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, Founder, Mustard Seed Communities, Mrs. Darcy Tulloch-Williams, Executive Director, Mustard Seed Communities and Dr. Cheryl Hettman, Independent Nurse, Educator and Consultant. Mrs. Andrea Hardware, Lecturer, Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences, also paid tribute to Ms. Ivy Lemonius, retired Lecturer, COHS. Mrs. Shaness Cole, who responded on behalf of the caregivers, thanked the University for providing the opportunity for further training and urged her fellow graduates to embrace their new knowledge in the execution of their duties. Forty-four Mustard Seed Communities Caregivers Graduate from UTech, Jamaica Long Distance Learning Training Course Graduates of the UTech, Jamaica Long Distance Learning Training Course during their graduation on December 6, 2022 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. Mrs. Carol Hutchinson, Supervisor, UTech Jamaica Mustard Seed Communities Centre Miss Denenne Williams (right), caregiver from the Mustard Seed Communities, presents a token to Mrs. Ivy Limonius, retired UTech, Jamaica lecturer for her contribution to the caregivers’ training programme offered by the College of Health Sciences.
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