Taylorites at the University of the West Indies are reaching for more than free Smirnoff as they extend hands of kindness towards their surrounding communities.
Known for their 'hyped' parties - 'Outrage' and 'Final Fete' - and an overabundance of free drinks, Taylor Hall is having a summer school for 300 underprivileged youngsters.
The popular hall of residence on the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, in an attempt to reach out to the wider community, seeks to attract students from August Town and surrounding communities between the age of six and 15 years. Having had a mentorship programme with the August Town community since 1997, the Taylorites furthered their ambitions to the youths of Mona Commons in 2006, giving daily rap sessions and assistance for GSAT and CXC studies to students of these communities.
In addition to this, they have also held Christmas parties and prize ceremonies for the youth of these communities since the beginning of the programme.
A concept of Omar Ryan, Taylor Hall chairman, who has led the mentorship programme from 2006-2007, the initiative came about after coordination of a similar successful programme with the St. Thomas Parish Library.
Mr. Ryan said it was necessary that students of the University of the West Indies bridge the gap between their university and the surrounding communities.
Seeking sponsorship
He said that, as the programme had not begun, the Taylorites were seeking sponsorship for their venture.
"This summer school is only a part of the mentorship programme that Taylor Hall has put on. We would also like to place an Internet café in Mona Commons. I have spoken to some Taylor Hall students who are willing to donate computers. We are seeking the help of businesses to help us with this goal. We would like them to know that university students are reaching out and Taylor Hall is leading the way," he said.
The summer school programme will last for a three-week period in July and will also serve to provide jobs for at least six university students who may face financial difficulties in the upcoming academic year.
