MORE than 1,500 students are now entering the upcoming school year with renewed hope and feeling motivated after receiving much-needed support from New Fortress Energy (NFE) as part of the company’s annual back-to-school philanthropic initiative.

The fairs were held in the parishes of Clarendon, St Catherine, and St James, where the natural gas provider has its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. During the final fair, held at Pier One in Montego Bay, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Oral Heaven encouraged the students to use education to make a better life for themselves and their families rather than focusing on their financial challenges.

“Through this investment in your education, NFE Foundation is assisting you to a better life and to a better standard of living that can only be achieved through hard work, determination, and a solid education. So do not worry about where the funds will come from, make the bold step, stay focused, and you will get help.”

Heaven also highlighted the correlation between an educated society, poverty alleviation, and crime reduction, saying, “Studies have shown that, through academia, many have lifted themselves out of poverty as they’re able to get meaningful jobs and help their families move to a better standard of living. Studies have also shown that, where there is an educated workforce, there’s a corresponding reduction in criminal activity. Therefore, we can easily say that this donation is contributing to these young one’s education and must be cherished based on the long-term positive impact on our society.”

NFE has partnered with MBCCI to host its fair in Montego Bay for the fifth consecutive year.

Echoing similar sentiments, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon impressed upon the students that, “There’s no limit to what you can do. It is not where you go, it’s what you do when you get there. So you must stay focused and put in the hard work that is necessary for your development.”

NFE Foundation this year donated financial vouchers of $10,000 each to more than 900 students, community bursaries valued at $50,000 each to more than 60 students, tablet computers to 100 students, and free medicals for 300 students. Close to 1,500 students also received backpacks packed with hardcover notebooks and other school supplies.

Verona Carter, vice-president at NFE, said: “It takes great partnerships to be able to execute this magnitude of philanthropy each year, and we cannot thank all our partners across Clarendon, St Catherine, and St James enough for stepping up in such a big way for the students each year. For us at NFE, we truly believe that education is not a privilege, it’s a right. We are, therefore, committed to helping the next generation of innovators and leaders to realise their dreams and help them create a brighter, more positive future for themselves and their families.”

Over the years, the LNG provider has partnered with local bookstores and department stores, including Maxie Department Store and Winmar’s Bookstore in May Pen, Henderson’s Bookstore and Lloyd’s Department Store in Montego Bay and, Old Harbour Books and Stationery Supplies in Old Harbour, where students redeem their vouchers for school supplies.