The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation (SJF) handed over more than $3.3 million to 49 students from seven tertiary institutions to offset their educational expenses this year.

At the scholarship handover, which took place on October 25, students of Montego Bay and Brown’s Town Community colleges were given partial scholarships, students of the HEART College of Hospitality Services were provided with funds to purchase tools and equipment necessary for their courses of study, while students of Spanish at the University of the West Indies, and pre-service Spanish teachers from Shortwood, Church and Sam Sharpe Teachers’ Colleges received bursaries towards their tuition expenses.

“This is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to encourage the advancement of Jamaicans through education and specifically Spanish language acquisition given the extensive benefits that may be derived from such a skill,” the foundation said.

Recipients were selected through an interview process. In addition they maintained excellent GPAs and were actively involved in school and community-based service organisations.

The SJF, whose motto is “Cuidar, Apoyar, Educar” (Caring, Supporting, Educating), was founded in 2006 by Spanish investors in the island and fosters partnerships between Spain and Jamaica through educational, cultural, environmental and community development initiatives.

In the coming weeks, it will host the National Spanish Carol Service in Kingston in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and missions of Spanish-speaking countries. The initiative was conceptualised by Spanish teacher Emma-June Bell, and is in its 12th year.