Food and fun were the order of the day as the Barbados Community College rolled out the welcome mat for first-year students of its three campuses during the annual Convocation Ceremony and Principal’s Barbecue.
Scores of students from Eyrie and the sister campuses, the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute (JNHHI) and the Hope Agricultural Training Institute (HATI), came together to celebrate their success and enjoy the free amenities, thanks to the support of several sponsors.
One of those, CIBC Caribbean, came on board as a title sponsor, allowing the college the flexibility to enhance the range of activities it provided for the first-year students.
Freshers engaged in activities like archery and Jenga, met with their tutors and peers, and got valuable information about the volunteer organisations in Barbados.
Earlier in the day, the students received a rousing motivational word from international humanitarian Gabrielle Gay during the Convocation Ceremony held in the college’s gymnasium. She spoke on the importance of the students having a purpose behind their passion. She explained that despite setbacks, students who are motivated by a purpose bigger than themselves are usually the ones who succeed.
BCC Principal, Annette Alleyne congratulated attendees and encouraged them to take ownership of their studies and their futures.
“It’s not always about getting money but giving that understanding that we can give. We give not because we want to get something, but we give just because we want to contribute,” she said.
Recently expanded to include associate degree students, the national Give Back initiative was a focus of the day’s proceedings, with representatives speaking to the students and operating their own stall.
Coordinator of the National Give Back Programme, Glynne Pooler reminded students how important it was to contribute to their country, and noted that, with the new Give Back App, navigating the programme has become much easier.
She also explained what would be expected of students completing the various degrees, adding that those already contributing to their country were well on their way to fulfilling the mandatory hours.
“If you are part of a church organization or any other organization that may not be registered, you can encourage that organization to become a registered entity within the programme,” Pooler said.
With the first week of teaching completed, students are left to settle into their studies. Having left a good impression on their tutors, staff is optimistic that the newest BCC cohort will be successful during their stay.