UTech to add 1,000 student beds amid homelessness concerns

Plans are under way to accommodate 1,000 new beds for students at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, as the institution moves to tackle student homelessness and food insecurity.

UTech President Dr Kevin Brown made the disclosure at a recent handover event, where the university partnered for a second time with the JMMB Foundation to support 250 students through the GraceKennedy (GK) Foundation’s Campus Connect Food Bank. JMMB has been a long-standing supporter of the initiative, donating $2 million over the past two years.

Brown drew attention to the issue of student homelessness on campus, revealing that “some students are sleeping rough.”

He said the university is working with the government to build 1,000 new beds to provide affordable accommodation. However, he stressed that homelessness remains a pressing concern until those plans are realised.

The principal called on corporate partners and UTech alumni to support the food bank and other student welfare initiatives, emphasising that their involvement is crucial to sustaining and expanding these services. “I hope that you will not only expand your support going forward, but also inspire other stakeholders to join in,” Brown was quoted as saying in a release.

Brown highlighted the critical role the food bank plays in supporting students. While the programme currently supports 250 students monthly, the university welcomes more than 3,000 new students each year, leaving many still vulnerable to food insecurity.

Established in 2019 by the GraceKennedy Foundation, the Campus Connect Food Bank provides monthly food packages to students at UTech, the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts in an effort to combat student hunger.

“For the students, giving up is not an option,” said Brown, describing the food bank as “very impactful,” and urging corporate partners to help expand the programme to reach more students.

Caroline Mahfood, CEO of the GraceKennedy Foundation, echoed the importance of the food bank, noting, “It makes a significant difference, and the reality is a university student has to find tuition, transportation, boarding and after that food is at the bottom of that list. It becomes very challenging.”

She also acknowledged the resilience of students who have overcome hunger to achieve their goals. “Many of the people who are in the workforce today pushed through but faced severe hunger, but they had the tenacity to push and somehow get through,” she said.

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, reflected on the determination of students pursuing tertiary education despite significant challenges. “The stories are tremendous and the tenacity of the students of all ages is amazing,” she noted, adding, “It is inspirational that they actually finish.”