UWI team shares information, entertains, and makes new connections at community day festivities
A team from UWI St Augustine joined with the people of Moruga/Tableland, and other educational institutions and state agencies, to celebrate community day on March 19, 2024. The objective, a statement from the campus read, was to “nurture relationships that are beneficial not only to the university but also to the communities we serve”.
The campus statement added that the visit was a way of “reinforcing our commitment to educational outreach and community development.”
Seven of UWI St Augustine’s eight faculties took part – Engineering, Food and Agriculture, Humanities and Education, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Sport. They, along with UWI recruiters and Student Champions, shared information on programmes of study, enrolment, and campus life with attendees of the community day event at the Lengua Islamia TIA Primary School.
Residents of Lengua/Indian Walk, Fifth Company, St Mary’s, Moruga, Tableland, and Barrackpore learned of educational opportunities at the St Augustine campus, took part in games and quizzes, and received free health advice and services like blood pressure testing. The UWI – as well as UTT, several government ministries, WASA, the Agricultural Development Bank, and other agencies – was invited by Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland Ms Michelle Benjamin.
The team from St Augustine also shared and displayed samples of UWI products. These included items from the University Field Station such as high-quality chilled milk and, Biophyt 1.0, an organic pesticide developed by researchers in the Faculty of Food and Agriculture. Biophyt 1.0, an alternative to hazardous chemical pesticides, was first featured in UWI TODAY in August 2019.
The community,” read The UWI statement, “warmly welcomed representatives from various departments, and attendees interacted with and engaged with experts from diverse fields such as Modern Languages and Linguistics, Chemistry, and Geography. Additionally, the Faculty of Food and Agriculture presented captivating displays that drew significant interest.” In a statement after the event, Ms Benjamin said, “Allow me to thank all the entities that attended with their host of officers, to display, guide, spread awareness, and encourage oneness and unity within our communities.”
The message from UWI St Augustine noted that, “Outreach programmes such as these are crucial for The UWI as they bridge the gap between our academic institution and the broader communities, fostering mutual growth and enriching educational experiences through direct engagement.”
