$100K Practicum Support Secured for Social Work Students Through Guild Leadership

Dr. Sharon McKenzie, Head of the Social Work Unit, stands with student Youlanda Irving and Faculty of Social Sciences Guild Representative Jermaine Francis, who presents a $100,000 JMD donation to support practicum assignments for Social Work students.
In a decisive act of student-centred leadership, Jermaine Francis, Faculty of Social Sciences Guild Representative at UWI Mona, has fulfilled his promise to Social Work students by donating $100,000 JMD to support their practicum assignments. The contribution, made on behalf of the Faculty Guild Committee, directly addresses the financial strain of transportation, a major challenge for students required to travel to off-campus placement sites.

Unlike traditional classroom courses, the practicum demands daily commuting to agencies and communities beyond the Mona campus, often at significant personal expense. Francis emphasized that the initiative was driven by student concerns and reflects the committee’s commitment to responsive representation. “This contribution is more than financial assistance; it is an investment in our students’ professional journey,” he noted.

Students have welcomed the support, highlighting its impact in reducing out-of-pocket costs and easing logistical stress during their fieldwork. Importantly, this marks the first formal step by Francis and his committee to tackle transportation challenges within the Faculty of Social Sciences, signalling a broader advocacy agenda focused on accessibility, equity and practical student support.

By turning dialogue into tangible action, Francis has set a precedent for meaningful representation, underscoring the importance of leadership that empowers students to fully engage in their academic and professional responsibilities.