Open Day: Prospective students explore educational opportunities available at UWIFIC

0
121
img 2786
(Photos by Robert A. Emmanuel)
- Advertisement -

By Robert Andre Emmanuel

[email protected]

The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) yesterday welcomed hordes of prospective students and their parents who explored numerous courses of study offered at the institution and demonstrations ranging from 3D printing to early childhood education setups.

The event, which saw over 200 attendees during first two hours alone, showcased UWIFIC’s four schools of study, namely Humanities and Education, Business and Management, Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, and Health and Behavioral Sciences, as well organisations that informed secondary school students about the financial options available for studies.

With university officials expressing hope that around 700 visitors would have attended the event, the open day included demonstration of a full preschool setting from the School of Humanities and Education, while the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence showcased its 3D printing demonstration and computer animation set-up.

Students Recruitment and Retention Manager, Adeola Matthew, emphasized the event’s significance in connecting with the community.

“We are hosting our Annual Open House for students, adults, everybody who wants to find out about the campus,” she told Observer media.

“The atmosphere is live … people are excited about UWI being here in Antigua and Barbuda, and we just wanted to ensure there’s an opportunity for the general public to come out and be a part of what is happening here on campus,” she added.

Joshua Harness, a student from the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, shared insights about the program’s innovative approach.

“What we’re really trying to foster is creative thinkers and innovators,” he explained. “We’re trying to develop the kinds of people who are able to take one bit of inspiration and stretch it. .. You take one simple concept, you run with it, and then you get into research, thinking, and just working. You make mistakes, obviously, but you keep trying until you’re able to say, ‘Hey, I’ve done this’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kerron McKenzie from the School of Business and Management highlighted their focus on practical career preparation.

“We’re looking at different degrees such as accounting and finance, banking and finance … to develop students in the real-world perspective on how they can get into different job fields,” he stated, adding that the university hopes to continue to “gradually becoming one of the best universities within the Caribbean”.

Francilla Antoine, School of Health and Behavioral Sciences Guild representative, reported strong interest in their programs. “A lot of students are interested in mostly psychology, criminal justice, nursing in my department,” she noted.

“Students ask mostly about what science subjects they would need to have to enter nursing and psychology … They also ask about the challenges they will face, the amount it will take, and if we provide loans and scholarships,” she added.

The event also featured active participation from community stakeholders including banks, insurance companies and the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), providing comprehensive information about financing options and career pathways.

Meanwhile, the ABDF’s Human Resources Manager, Lieutenant Daniel Joseph, emphasised the broader impact of such initiatives.

“We have gotten the opportunity to engage with the youth of tomorrow,” he stated. “The ABDF is offering recruitment opportunities towards these individuals where they can build a career within the military. We’re an organization that facilitates professional development … This is the type of professional development and opportunities that young people need for us to build a solid foundation for our economy and the nation of tomorrow.”

- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

18 − twelve =