UTech, Jamaica Hosts Pre-Departure Orientation for Students Selected for UNESCO Global Skills Academy Scholarship Programme in China – University of Technology, Jamaica

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University of Technology, Jamaica students selected for the UNESCO Global Skills Academy (GSA) – China POCY Programme pose for a group photograph during the Pre-Departure Orientation Session held at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica, Papine Campus on June 19, 2026. From left are Rashaun Bernard, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Natasha Lennon, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Tiffany McLean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Princess Thompson Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Nathania Campbell, College of Business and Management, and Kanye Swaby, College of Business and Management.

Six students from the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) have been selected to participate in the UNESCO Global Skills Academy (GSA) – China POCY Programme, a prestigious international academic and cultural exchange initiative that will provide them with an immersive learning experience in China.

Ahead of their departure, the University’s Office of Institutional Linkages in association with the UTech UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre housed in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, hosted a Pre-Departure Orientation Session on June 19, 2026, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus, to prepare the students for the three-month programme and equip them for life and study abroad.

The UNESCO Global Skills Academy, an initiative of UNESCO-UNEVOC, connects young people worldwide with opportunities to develop technical, professional and intercultural competencies. Through the partnership with China’s POCY Group, participating students will study at two Chinese institutions while engaging in academic, cultural and professional exchanges.

Mr. Ray-St. Michael Williams, Partnership and Implementation Officer in the Office of Institutional Linkages, who chaired the orientation session, explained that the UNESCO-UNEVOC scholarship programme provides students with an opportunity to participate in a short term international academic and cultural exchange focused on technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Through this initiative, six University of Technology, Jamaica students will undertake specialized studies in China from June to September 2026. Two students will attend Tangshan Maritime Institute, pursuing Hotel Management, while four students will attend Caofeidian College of Technology, studying Nursing, E-Commerce and News Media, and Industrial Robotics. The programme promotes global exposure, technical skills development, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The students are:

College of Business and Management

• Nathania Laurissa Campbell (BSc Food Service Management)

• Kanye Khamani Swaby (BSc Food Service Management)

Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (4 Students)

• Tiffany Rhianna McLean (B.Ed TVET – Food Service Production & Management)

• Natasha Mellisa Marie Lennon (B.Ed TVET – Business & Computer Studies)

• Rashaun Jerome Bernard (B.Ed TVET Industrial Technology – Mechanical)

• Princess Makeda Thompson (B.Ed TVET Industrial Technology – Electrical)

Delivering virtual remarks, Ms. Kenneth (“Ken”) Barrientos, Programme Officer and Head of the UNEVOC Network Secretariat, UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, congratulated the students, noting that they represent UTech, Jamaica’s inaugural cohort participating in the programme.

“You are going to be the pioneer batch for this programme,” she said, commending the students for successfully completing the rigorous application process and thanking the University for its partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC.

Ms. Barrientos explained that the Global Skills Academy was established to expand access to skills development worldwide and aims to train 10 million learners by 2029.

“We see this as a very good opportunity for young people like you to position yourselves differently for the future because we know programmes like this will enable you to acquire new and additional skills,” she said.

She encouraged the students to embrace the opportunity to strengthen their independence, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and intercultural competence while building global networks and preparing for the future world of work.

Students urged to be exemplary ambassadors

Dr. Audrey Porter-DaCosta, Acting Head, School of Technical and Vocational Education, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, described the occasion as “one of the most exciting days” of her tenure at the University and reminded the students that they would be ambassadors for UTech, Jamaica and the nation.

“As you take on this great adventure, recognise that you are not alone,” she said. “Respect yourself, your family, your teammates, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and your country.”

Encouraging the students to remain open-minded and culturally sensitive, she urged them to embrace the experience with humility and curiosity.

“Always be in a mode to learn,” she advised. “Respect cultural differences, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, think critically, and return ready to add value to your respective faculties.”

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Dr. Granville Pitter, congratulated the students, describing their selection as a significant milestone for both the University and the students themselves.

“UTech is probably known for athletics, but here we are, another group of stars going to China to represent UTech in academia,” he remarked.

Highlighting the University’s RESET strategic agenda, Dr. Pitter said the scholarship exemplifies UTech, Jamaica’s commitment to student-centred learning and expanding international opportunities.

Sharing his own experience of studying overseas, he encouraged the students to embrace the inevitable cultural adjustments. “Adjust. Adapt. Don’t panic,” he advised. “When you return, we want to hear about your experiences and the impact you will make. Go with God. We are all behind you.”

Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Dr. Norene Brown-Roomes, congratulated the students, describing their selection as a reflection of their hard work, dedication and potential. She encouraged them to approach the opportunity with confidence and to return ready to share their experiences with fellow students.

Professor Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Business and Management, reminded the students that they would be representing Jamaica, UTech, Jamaica and their respective colleges. Drawing on her own experiences travelling to China, she encouraged them to remain united, stay safe and fully embrace the cultural exchange while making the most of every opportunity.

Mr. Richard Samuels, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and a key contributor to the UNESCO-UNEVOC initiative, also congratulated the students, noting that the scholarship reflects both their commitment and the University’s high standards.

“This opportunity is not just about learning new skills but about expanding your mindset and preparing yourself to thrive in a global environment,” he said.

Closing the session, Mr. Ray-St. Michael Williams guided the students through essential travel, safety and cultural orientation requirements.

He encouraged them to travel responsibly, maintain proper documentation, respect local laws and customs, and remember that throughout the programme they would serve as ambassadors for both Jamaica and UTech, Jamaica.

Scholarship recipients are joined by University leaders and faculty members at the Pre-Departure Orientation Session for the UNESCO Global Skills Academy (GSA) – China POCY Programme at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus on June 19, 2026. From left are Richard Samuels, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS), student Natasha Lennon; Dr. Audrey Porter-DaCosta, Acting Head, School of Technical and Vocational Education, FELS, Rashaun Bernard, student, Tiffany McLean, student, Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, student Princess Thompson, Mr. Ray-St. Michael Williams, Partnership and Implementation Officer, Office of International and Institutional Linkages, UTech, Jamaica, Mrs. Janet Valentine-Campbell, Lecturer, Foods Service and Production Management; and Mrs. Karnette Batchelor-Evering, Lecturer, FELS.

Contact: Michelle Beckford (Mrs.) Corporate Communications Manager University of Technology, Jamaica Telephone: (876) 970-5299 Email: [email protected]

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