Final-year university students Javelle Stewart and Romario Blackwood say that had it not been for the J. Wray and Nephew (JWN) Foundation scholarships, they would have encountered difficulties pursuing their educational dreams.
Stewart, who is from the community of Union in Elizabeth, is the first in her family to attend university. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel management (major) and management studies (minor).
She was a recipient of JWN Foundation Scholarship Programme from grades eight to 11 while at the Hampton School. At the tertiary level, Stewart has been the beneficiary of scholarships from the foundation, which has paid three-quarters of her tuition each year.
“Honestly, without this scholarship I don’t think I would be able to pursue my dreams. This scholarship has pushed me to put my best foot forward in terms of academics and voluntary service in my community,” Stewart told THE WEEKEND STAR.
The JWN Foundation scholarships are open to students from selected communities in the parishes of Kingston and St Andrew, Clarendon and St Elizabeth. This year, 250 scholarships valued at approximately $24 million will be awarded. This comprises 150 scholarships to secondary students; 50 to tertiary students and another 50 to students attending vocational skills-training institutions.
Students at the tertiary level must demonstrate high academic achievement, voluntarism and financial need. Stewart said that she has been completely dependent on scholarships and grants to complete her education because of her financial situation.
“I really needed the scholarship because I wanted an education, but my mother couldn’t afford to send me to school,” said Stewart.
Blackwood, another of the scholarship recipients, who is from Gimmi-Me-Bit, Clarendon, is pursuing a degree in education at Northern Caribbean University.
“I’m a working student and I was finding it very hard to finish my studies. So, I had to apply to relieve some of my financial burdens,” said Blackwood.
Blackwood has been awarded the scholarship four times. In his first year, the JWN Foundation paid half of his tuition and then paid it in full from second to final year.
“JWN Foundation has helped so many young people to realize their dreams, and helped them to be whatever they want to be. It’s amazing because it gives them hope; it has helped to transform lives and communities for a better Jamaica,” said Blackwood.
Source: The Jamaica Star | Students salute JWN Foundation scholarship programme
