The Give Back Programme's constant delays has caused an uproar for students in their final year. (FP)
By Akil Franklyn on Thursday, 10 March, 2022 at 07:42 AM
Bachelor’s Degree students of the Barbados Community College were left disgruntled after receiving an email regarding the completion of the Give Back Programme.
The email stated that full-time students pursuing Bachelor's Degrees in Media & Journalism, Studio Art, Graphic Art and Physical Education were required to complete the mandated 120 community service hours per year, as part of the requirements for graduation. The email also advised students to contact their Head of Divison or Senior Tutor regarding the programme.
Although the Give Back Programme was launched in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused several delays since many of the partnering organisations had either been closed or implemented strict restrictions.
Many students were concerned as they received no prior communication regarding the required hours and the Give Back web page was often inaccessible.
Final-year Studio Arts student Donné Haynes expressed frustration at the abrupt email, and believed that there was no consideration for the schedule of full-time Bachelor’s Degree students.
“It does not make any sense, at all. I am finishing in May, I have to finish the portfolio and I have to focus on the business module for pricing; when will I have time to be putting in these hours?” Haynes queried.
She added that the programme was constantly deferred with no clear communication as to whether students would need to make up for the hours missed in previous years in order to graduate.
“This was pushed back, and pushed back, and pushed back and now they want to force it down our throat for the last? Nah,” Haynes stated.
Evan McDonald shared Haynes' sentiments about the lack of communication and the inaccessibility of the Give Back web page. He did however, acknowledge the attempt by the College (BCC) to inform and guide students on the issue.
“Emails like this can be a bit frustrating, largely because the website has not been working for me. The communication prior has not been the best, so it is good to see at least some direct communication is being made,” McDonald said.