The United Student Movement’s Eastern Regional Campus executives [from left] Director Spiritual Affairs, Rashema Raymond, Director of Social Affairs, Natasha McKenzie, Executive Vice-President, Nordia Lyons, Director of Finance, Shada Cracdock and Director of Election, Sonja-Kea Walker, at the launch of movement’s Street Feeding program on Friday, February 12, 2021.

Photo Credit: Contributed

By: Kedice Reid

Mandeville, Jamaica- The United Student Movement’s (USM) Eastern Jamaica Regional Campus (EJRC) has launched a street feeding project aimed at fulfilling the needs of community members during the coronavirus pandemic.

The project, which was launched on Friday, February 12, 2021, is being spearheaded by USM’s Vice-President of EJRC, Nordia Lyons and her team.

Lyons told the Hilltop Trumpet that all hands were on deck to provide substantial food and monetary support to residents of the area. 

“Our Members were selfless in giving as the regime made monetary and food contributions to the cause coupled with donations from some of the staff members on campus.”

She added that the street feeding initiative was a success considering that the campus is fairly small, comprising mainly of Nursing students as well as Social Work majors. Nevertheless, USM VP and her colleagues saw the need for the project and executed it.

“Social workers have a duty to seek out those who are less fortunate as well as to ensure they are in good hands. In addition, the past year has been a drain for most if not everyone, so it is very easy to forsake our God-given responsibility to be Stewards utilize the resources provided to us for the betterment of God’s Creation.”

The Social Work Major added that the hardest part about planning the initiative was getting everyone at a convenient time.

“Planning wasn’t necessarily difficult as we were all willing to take in the drive. The hardest part was being able to choose a time convenient to everyone as many are impacted from internet connection issues as well as some of our members aren’t situated in close proximity but we all came together nonetheless to have a successful drive.”

She said the project was not only for providing food for the less fortunate but to set the foundation for future members to follow suit in helping those who cannot do it for themselves.