"The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night."
-Henry W. LomfelowPeople who achieve great success in life are those who strive to achieve their goals despite the odds. This is a wonderful character trait that I have noticed among the members of the UCC CKI Club. This is evidence of how your club has worked hard to be extremely consistent in doing multiple service projects, meetings, and membership involvement. Despite the divisional transition and challenges faced during our first quarter of the CKI year, the club kept moving forward. This determination can be seen in your efforts in all three tenets of Service, Leadership, and Fellowship. As LG, I strongly encourage you to maintain the blazing determination you have demonstrated throughout the remainder of the CKI year. Continue to do well, and remember that success is not luck, it's determination, so never let go of the spirit that drives you to join CKI. Keep safe.
LG Britley Robinson Sunshine Division Caribbean District of CKI"Happy is anyone who shows consideration to the lowly one."
The 1st quarter of 2022 is already over and it was an interesting 3 months to say the least. The board took office in April 2, 2022 and with it a world of philanthropic adventure began. The fisrt project of the quarter was with the Good Samaritan Inn where members aided in serving meals to the less fortunate. This was followed by a feeding initiative with the Open Heart Charitable/ St. James Municipal Council in St. James where members of the homeless communities were served meals. April is dubbed Autism Awareness Month, UCC CKI in commemoration, represented this cause through social media, but most notably was our radio interview with Sun City Radio, the club was able to address myths about autism and spread awareness to this worthy cause. The Fundraiser and Events Committee published our first fundraiser for the quarter, the coin drive, this initiative was founded to aid an autism institution, the coin drive was a massive success, and over ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) was raised. World Reading Day was celebrated at the Faydene Methodist Senior Citizen Home, where members read stories and poems to patrons. Patrons were serenaded as members broke out in song, igniting much joy. We closed the day with a donation of hygiene items, just to show appreciation of accommodating us. Our first joint project and interclubbing was with our sponsoring club KCNSA and ECC CKI was executed; we embarked on a beach clean up at Port Royal. We followed up by joining forces again with our sponsoring club KCNSA at their monthly project the Roy Pennant Meals on Whe we assisted with issuing meals to the less fortunate. It was an am quarter.
May was an interesting month is filled service to the max! We celebrated Child’s Month and Labour Month in one. We began with Child’s Month activities where we started the Read Across Jamaica Tour, impacting four different parishes, Mona Common Basic School in Kingston, Little One’s Basic School in St. Catherine, Apostolic Ark Basic School in St. Ann and Naz Children Centre and Hudson Premier Academy in St. James; children were vibrantly engaged with and read to. We continued with Teacher’s Day, where teachers from UCC, Mona Common Basic School and Little One’s Basic School were treated with gifts and treats to celebrate their amazing work in creating future leaders. We moved to Labour Day activities, starting with a milestone Signature Project which planned and executed by our Bulletin Editor, she mobilized members and managed the day’s events, The Mona Common Basic School was the selected institution, the school grounds were fatigued, walls and buildings were painted and refurbished. The event was concluded was a massive donation to the institution from paints to hygiene items. In the West, the club embarked on a Labour Day project at the Garland Hall Memorial Children Home, where UCC CKI was joined by IUC CKI, and Utech W CKI. We fatigued the grounds, painted the grills and white limed/washed the walls, the day’s events ended with a donation of water to the Children Home. The Service and Events Planning Committee planned and executed out very first donation drive for Child’s Month, we raised over ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) which was used to procure much needed food and hygiene items. We joined forces with PCC CKI and executed a Beach Clean up project, members were happy to be outside once again. We cannot forget about Mother’s day, we celebrated through social media posting and a small credit giveaway to our mothers. All month long UCC CKI pledged hours to tree planting by participating in the Free Rice cause, offering grains in exchange for meals to the needy. We ended the month by participating in our sponsoring club’s monthly project, the Roy Pennant Meals on Wheels where we assisted with issuing meals to the less fortunate.
We closed the quarter with June’s events; we focused on feeding the homeless all month long, support was loaned to St. James as the team provided breakfast and lunch to homeless person in the township of Montego Bay, we partnered with St. James Municipal Council Open heart Charitable Organization to make this initiative a success. June is the month celebrated as Blood Month, the team spread awareness about the benefits of giving blood and began planning our very first blood drive. June is the month celebrated as Blood Month, the team spread awareness about the benefits of giving blood and began planning our very first blood drive. We celebrated Father’s Day through social media representation and recognition of our members. Throughout the month we honed hours to tree planting by participating in the Free Rice cause, offering grains in exchange for meals to the needy. We ended the month by participating in our sponsoring club’s monthly project, the Roy Pennant Meals on Wheels where we assisted with issuing meals to the less fortunate.
May was an interesting month is filled service to the max! We celebrated Child’s Month and Labour Month in one. We began with Child’s Month activities where we started the Read Across Jamaica Tour, impacting four different parishes, Mona Common Basic School in Kingston, Little One’s Basic School in St. Catherine, Apostolic Ark Basic School in St. Ann and Naz Children Centre and Hudson Premier Academy in St. James; children were vibrantly engaged with and read to. We continued with Teacher’s Day, where teachers from UCC, Mona Common Basic School and Little One’s Basic School were treated with gifts and treats to celebrate their amazing work in creating future leaders. We moved to Labour Day activities, starting with a milestone Signature Project which planned and executed by our Bulletin Editor, she mobilized members and managed the day’s events, The Mona Common Basic School was the selected institution, the school grounds were fatigued, walls and buildings were painted and refurbished. The event was concluded was a massive donation to the institution from paints to hygiene items. In the West, the club embarked on a Labour Day project at the Garland Hall Memorial Children Home, where UCC CKI was joined by IUC CKI, and Utech W CKI. We fatigued the grounds, painted the grills and white limed/washed the walls, the day’s events ended with a donation of water to the Children Home. The Service and Events Planning Committee planned and executed out very first donation drive for Child’s Month, we raised over ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) which was used to procure much needed food and hygiene items. We joine executed a Beach Clean up pro We cannot forget about Mothe and a small credit giveaway to to tree planting by participatin for meals to the needy. We end club’s monthly project, the Roy issuing meals to the less fortun
We closed the quarter with June’s events; we focused on feeding the homeless all month long, support was loaned to St. James as the team provided breakfast and lunch to a homeless person in the township of Montego Bay, we partnered with St. James Municipal Council Open heart Charitable Organization to make this initiative a success. June is the month celebrated as Blood Month, the team spread awareness about the benefits of giving blood and began planning our very first blood drive. June is the month celebrated as Blood Month, the team spread awareness about the benefits of giving blood and began planning our very first blood drive. We celebrated Father’s Day through social media representation and recognition of our members. Throughout the month we honed hours on tree planting by participating in the Free Rice cause, offering grains in exchange for meals to the needy. We ended the month by participating in our sponsoring club’s monthly project, the Roy Pennant Meals on Wheels where we assisted with issuing meals to the less fortunate. The membership showed great support for projects during the first quarter, we hope to increase membership engagement for the remaining quarters. The second quarter accounts for July to September, during this quarter, we will be increasing our social media presence as we make preparation to transition outdoor activities. We will host our very first social for the CKI year to have members unwind and relax post-examination. An increase in inter-clubbing and Kiwanis Family Relation activities are on the horizon. UCC CKI will be raising funds to support WASH and Brick Projects.
Christopher Foster President UCC CKI ClubUniversity is an amazing time in your life. It brings the promise of new and exciting experiences, personal growth and development, and freedom but it does however come with its share of challenges that stand in the way of academic success. The four major struggles that today’s university students face include academic, financial, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Not all students enter university equally prepared. Attending classes at a university is considerably more challenging than your typical high school classes. Firstly, the university requires you to be more self reliant. Professors typically don’t nag about studying or completing assignments hence students who lack self discipline tend to fall behind in their studies. This adjustment can be quite trying for students especially ones who come from disadvantaged backgrounds with educations that did not prepare them for the rigor of higher education.
Year by year the cost to further your education becomes more expensive. This forces students to take out student loans, hustle and bustle for scholarships and grants to ease the rising cost of education, and students having to work part time in order to cover the cost of their tuition. Financial pressure can make it difficult for a student to focus on their classes. It's not an easy task to study for exams, complete assignments on time, and be involved in extra curricular activities all whilst working every day.
Emotional and mental health challenges can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies. The stresses that come with meeting your academic and financial obligations have proven to be rather burdensome for students. According to ActiveMinds, suicide is the second leading cause of death for university/college students. Students often become anxious or depressed from time to time which is usually exacerbated by the financial and academic challenges they face. There is no question that being a university student comes with its fair share of challenges however when you put God first and work hard the journey becomes easier day by day.
Written by: Xavier Reece IPP of UCC CKIA people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. December 22, 2005, was the start of a new legacy, with approximately 20 members, the UCC CKI was established. Over the past 16 years, UCC CKI has achieved a whole lot. From being the only club in the Caribbean District to get 15 awards at the annual District Convention (DCON), with 7 of those being Distinguished Awards. Not to mention we have produced noteworthy, District Governors Alanzo Small and Anishaka Stewart, District Secretary, Shevel Hylton, and two Lieutenant Governors, Shamar Mason and Keron Woods. Recently, at the International Convention Awards (ICON), we placed third for Club Promotional Video and G.E.M Awards (Diamond Division).
Unknown to many, UCC was first a part of the Crystal Division and that division has been our home for the longest time. Although being active for over 16 years, we have not yet been a part of the Palm Division. From inception, we have always been sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew until now. We are also the first ever club in the history of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean to be named the Inaugural winners of the UCC Champion Club Competition. Also, we are the club with the highest number of active members at 138 for the current CKI year in the Caribbean District.
Written by: Chairperson Tedesh McCowan
Engagement
For the first quarter of the Circle K year, which expanded over the months of April to June, the Kiwanis Family Relations and Interclubbing promoted engagement and interaction through several inter clubbing events with other Circle Kers within the division and district. The Committee also continued to show support to other K fam branches by attending and participating in their weekly meetings and projects. Over the course of this three month period, we were able to round up approximately 26 points for Inter clubbing and 38 points allotted to Kiwanis Family Relations for our attendance and representation at other K Fam meetings and projects.
The month of April consisted of a number of virtual events that our members were able to join in on and learn and interact with our fellow Kiwanis family. A major highlight of April was our sponsoring club’s Beach Clean which was held on the 23rd of April at Rocky Fort, Port Royal. Five (5) members from UCC CKI were able to participate in this initiative and be a part of reducing environmental pollution in Jamaica.
The month of May was no different from the previous May consisted of continuous support and participation of our club in the promotion, engagement and involvement of several inter clubbing events with other Circle Kers within the division and district. The Committee also continued to show support to other K fam branches by encouraging members to attend and be a part of their weekly meetings and projects.
On the 15th of May, the Sunshine Division hosted its Sunday Funday social where members of the club were able to fellowship with other CKI clubs within the cohort and take part in the activities that were put on for the evening.
The Caribbean District hosted its first town hall on May 16, where clubs under all divisions rallied to discuss matters relating to the administrative progression of the CKI year and what to expect going forward.
On May 17, 2022, the club partnered with the Portmore Community College CKI to host a joint meeting in commemoration of Child’s Month under the theme “Understanding Children Today FOR A BETTER TOMORROW”. We were able to have parents from the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA) as well as parents of children with disabilities join us and share information about several common disabilities and speak on their experiences. There were parents who spoke on children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Hard of hearing. They were able to bring awareness to these disabilities all while enlightening us on how they were able to adapt and embrace being the parent of a child with a disability
On May 21st, three members from our club showed support to PCC CKI at their beach clean up at Hellshire, Portmore.
June highlighted very similar activities for the KFR and IC committee. Our members continued to show their support for KFR and Interclubbing events through their attendance and participation. On Sunday, June 26, three of our members and a prospect of our club participated in our sponsoring club’s monthly signature project (Meals on Wheels) where they handed over meals to the elderly in the community of Jones Town, Kingston.
One of our many goals going into the next quarter is to maximize on the opportunities of having interclubbing meetings with other K Family branches which includes but is not limited to other Circle K’ers, Kiwanians, Key clubbers and Builder’s Clubs.
We are also aiming to continuously promote engagement and positive relations through our committee by supporting and participating in other K fam initiatives. Finally, the Kiwanis Family Relations and Interclubbing committee intends to build on CKI’s tenants of fellowship and service not only in our club, but the division and district at large.
"I became a member since October 2021, my journey with this club is enlightening and very informative and as a result, I would continue to be a member even when I depart UCC I have not engaged in much direct face to face projects due to the fact that they base in Kingston and Montego Bay but I try to be fully engaged in the online activities Thank you "
Tedesh McGowan“You know I was gonna volunteer but then I said I haven't actually participated in any physical projects so, it wouldn't be as meaningful. to serve, love to serve. I have always heard that saying but never really understood it until I because a member of UCC CKI. First 6 months of CKI, I was just a silent member taking up space and observing the happenings. 1 day, I said something in the group and the feeling was good. I started to donate, and attend meetings, not to mention sports day and the competitiveness. Interacting with other clubs, Uncle Todd and Kaylia, from IUC, and Shortwood always sporting UCC. Not to mention building lifelong friendships. Looking back at when I joined in 2020 until now. I am amazed. It has brought out the vocal outspoken person I am and trust me. I am not good in large settings.”
Sheneil Clarke Della Reece McPherson"Joined in !best !best !service club ever The fun, the unity, the cooperation the respect the helpfulness. love the experience " Prospect Overview
"My name is Anishka Clarke a Circle K prospect since July 7th of 2022
My experience so far has not been much but what can say is that based on observations is that this group is actually in it for the right reasons because they genuinely want to help "
"Excluding the part where I haven't physically participated, because the projects are normally on Saturdays or out of my reach, my journey so far as a member of CKI has been good. I Joined CKI in October 2021, and from then I've enjoyed attending meetings where I'm able to learn as well as attending conventions like DCON where I'm able to participate in fun activities and meet new people. I do hope that I will be able to physically participate in projects Fall coming but we'll see. Additionally, I like being a part of the membership committee. Always feels good to be a part of something."
