55 students benefit from Jamalco scholarships
May Pen , Clarendon — Bauxite/alumina company Jamalco has committed to assisting 55 students in Clarendon and Manchester by awarding them scholarships worth a total of $7million dollars, according to a release circulated.
The scholarships are awarded annually to academically qualified students with a demonstrable need for financial assistance and who are involved in co-curricular and other community activities. They range in value from $30,000 for secondary school students and between $100,000 and $200,000 for tertiary students, and may be used to cover either tuition or boarding.
Guest speaker at the awards ceremony and principal finance officer at the Ministry of Health, Michael Maragh, encouraged recipients not to allow their present circumstances to determine where they end up in life. Noting that, “a nuh weh u a come from, a weh u gwine guh”, Maragh recounted his experience of growing up in the inner-city community of Rema and passing one CXC subject, to becoming the principal finance officer at the Ministry of Health.
“Even if you are not the brightest, it does not mean that you cannot achieve what you want to achieve; all of you have a purpose,” he reminded them.
Jamalco’s Corporate Services Manager DonnaMarie Brooks-Gordon, while congratulating the recipients, explained that Jamalco will continue to invest in education because it recognizes that it is fundamental to having a productive and prosperous society. “This is an investment that is being made with a shared understanding that you will go to school and do your part so you can build a better future for yourself and your family,” she added.
Production Manager Natalie Sparkes also served as a source of inspiration to the recipients telling them, “I grew up dirt poor but that did not stop me from being successful. Never let your situation hinder you from being the best that you can be.”
Scholarship recipient, Elvisovara Francis, in his testimonial, thanked Jamalco for sharing its resources with needy students like himself. He explained that the financial assistance given to the students will lift a heavy burden from their shoulders and help them to fulfill their dream of attending university.
Sourced from the Jamaica Observer.
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