SAGICOR Foundation has earmarked $1 million to support children of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) service members and civilian workers through the awarding of educational grants for students who excelled in the recent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The foundation said in a release yesterday that the grant is being offered to 25 children, at a value of $40,000 each, for one year only to assist with offsetting school expenses as they prepare for their first year at high school.

Simone Walker, executive director, Sagicor Foundation, and vice-president of Group marketing, Sagicor Group Jamaica, shared the reason behind Sagicor’s support for JDF members.

“Our JDF members work diligently to support and protect our country, often times risking their lives to guard ours. Providing some financial relief for them during one of the milestone achievements for their children is one of the ways in which the Sagicor Foundation continues its support for the army men and women and their families,” Walker is quoted as saying in the release.

According to the release, this is the second year the foundation is providing grants to children of JDF members; last year 14 students received grants.

The foundation said it also supports other education-related JDF activities throughout the year.

“Sagicor Foundation believes strongly in the philosophy of providing a solid educational foundation for our nation’s children and it is important that we provide all the support we can give to help parents with that vital transition from primary school to high school; we are also very much aware of the expenses associated with funding a child’s education in today’s society and as such this is our small way of giving back to the development of the minds of our future leaders,” Walker said.