Some 500 students in Clarendon and Manchester are set to benefit from Jamalco’s education assistance valued at over $22 million during the new academic year. The back-to-school assistance is awarded to students at all levels of the education system. The announcement was made at the company’s annual scholarship awards presentation exercise held at the Wembley Centre of Excellence recently.
In his remarks, Guest Speaker, and Secretary General of the Jamaica Teachers Association, Dr. Mark Nicely, encouraged the students to embrace this period of learning while being extraordinary. “Do not be ordinary and fit into the crowd. Break records and seize opportunities,” he charged. Continuing, Dr. Nicely also appealed to the students to conduct themselves with high level of morals, values and decency, and also encouraged parents to support and invest in their children.
Managing Director at Jamalco, Marvin Jackson, in his remarks, reinforced Jamalco’s commitment to building the capacity of students in its operating areas through education. Mr. Jackson told the students that the assistance from Jamalco is not financial aid but an investment in their future “a vote of confidence in your potential to excel and make a positive impact in society,” he stated. Mr. Jackson also reminded the students of the value of their education, “it is the key to unlocking your dreams and transforming your lives. I encourage you to focus on your studies, strive for excellence, and aim to meet the 3.0 GPA requirement to benefit from this scholarship each year. Your academic success is crucial, and we believe in your ability to achieve it.”
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, Century Aluminum, Rob Hoffman also reiterated Century’s commitment to helping to educate the nation’s children. He announced the continuation of the Century Aluminum’s High Achievers Award for the 2nd year. The company awarded scholarships totaling $5.25 Million to 15 students. Each student will receive $350,000. “This generous support is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering academic excellence, and empowering our students to reach their full potential, “ Mr. Hoffman said.
Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Donna Marie Brooks, while congratulating the recipients, outlined that the company allocates about half of its community budget each year to education. “Our commitment to education is serious business and we are dedicated to empowering people and building their capacity,” she stated. Ms. Brooks outlined that nine Jamalco mentees will receive a scholarship valued at $2,250,000 while there are twenty-one special grants totaling $2,520,000 and forty students will receive scholarships at a value of $8,000,000. In addition to the 70 tertiary students, there are 10 GSAT/PEP students who will receive bursaries valued at $40,000 each. Another 385 students from operating communities in Clarendon and Manchester who attend basic, primary, and high schools will receive book grants valued at some $3.85 million.
Student of G.C. Foster College and recipient, Briana Daley, in a testimonial outlined her challenging circumstances which could have inhibited her from continuing her education. She thanked Jamalco while explaining that “this support from Jamalco has strengthened my resolve to make the most of my education, to achieve my goals and to give back to my community of Mitchell town in a meaningful way.”
Jamalco’s education assistance programme began in 2008 and will continue for each student until the end of their tertiary education once they adhere to the criteria.