CLARENDON, Jamaica— Over 70 secondary and tertiary students from Clarendon and Manchester have been awarded bursaries and scholarships valued at $10 million for the 2022/2023 academic year from Jamalco.

The awards were announced during a ceremony at the Halse Hall Great House on Wednesday, July 27. The beneficiaries were selected based on established need, academic performance, leadership qualities and involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Guest Speaker and Acting Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Kassan Troupe, commended Jamalco for continuing to demonstrate its investment in education and understanding the value of education.

“Even with the pandemic and the disruption caused by the fire, here it is on the agenda and it tells me that Jamalco understands its corporate social responsibility,” Dr Troupe said.

She added: “The education system is designed to enable all of us, to make you successful, to make you the best that you can be, but we cannot do it alone. Education requires all hands on deck and we thank Jamalco for being on this path with us.”

While congratulating the students, Troupe urged them to “be committed to their education, keep working hard while believing that they were made for excellence.”

Austin Mooney, Jamalco’s managing director also spoke on the importance of the scholarships, despite the hardships the company has faced.

“Despite Jamalco’s setback with the fire which curtailed production 11 months ago, we understood that not awarding the scholarships this year would have derailed the hopes and ambition of a lot of students, therefore it is our hope that this support will go a far way in helping with your education.”

Mooney challenged the students to stay committed and work hard on their studies, adding that “this step will not only be a benefit to you but could potentially change the trajectory of future generations. Education is the key in helping you to make a valuable contribution to your family, future generations and your community,” he said

Donna Marie Brooks, corporate services manager also remarked on Jamalco’s commitment to education stating that the company recognises that “education is fundamental to having a productive and prosperous society and it is the safest ticket to upward social mobility.”

She went on to caution the students not to take the scholarship lightly, but make it count, by working hard and so prepare themselves to make a worthwhile contribution to society.

“Dare to be different by challenging existing norms and chart your own path. Do not allow anyone to control the course of your future. Be the master of your destiny,” Brooks urged.

She also encouraged the students to exceed the required 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for consideration next academic year.

Of the 70 students, 55 are multi-time recipients while 15 are receiving assistance for the first time.