KINGSTON, Jamaica— Future Leaders of Jamaica, (FLJ), a non-profit organisation, is celebrating 10 years of providing financial and social support to Jamaican students attending high schools in Kingston and St Andrew, Clarendon and St Catherine.

Specifically, FLJ has provided students with school fees and supplies during its decade of existence.

Executive Director of FLJ, Dwight Green, said the organisation’s mission is to help mould top-tier students from low socio-economic backgrounds into upstanding young adult role models.

“FLJ strives to create a level playing field, removing the financial burdens faced by low-income families and preparing students for future leadership roles,” Green stated. He explained that FLJ partners with like-minded business professionals and corporate sponsors who are driven by an ideology of creating an opportunity and environment of success for students from marginalised households. The organisation implements its activities utilising a three-pronged approach which includes financial awards, mentorship and counselling. These offerings are provided to each scholarship recipient despite their age or the school they attend.

There is a cash grant which is paid directly to the recipients’ high school and may be used to cover tuition, books, room and board, fees and other educational expenses. After three years with the programme, recipients are also provided with a laptop to aid in completing assignments such as School-Based Assessments (SBAs).

“FLJ has grown not only in numbers but has extended its arms a bit further by expanding the support to ensure that the students are ready not only for CSEC and CAPE but also SATs,” said FLJ’s Director of Operations, Thornia Smith.

The mentorship component specifies that each student upon entrance into FLJ’s scholarship programme is assigned a mentor who is an experienced professional with the aptitude for life skills guidance. The counselling element covers areas such as parental guidance and positive mindset development.

Smith shared that “FLJ is built also on volunteerism and so since its inception every Labour Day, except during the COVID-19 period, the FLJ students, parents, mentors and the directors have collaborated with various organisations to actively carry out community service in children’s homes, schools, and clinics across Kingston and St. Andrew”.

FLJ’s holistic approach to student development has borne success, as past beneficiaries of the programme have gone on to complete college education and some are now gainfully employed within diverse professions.

Parent benefactor, Sherolyn Roache-Chatrie, has commended FLJ for its support, stating that the financial ease of knowing that a child’s educational expenses are taken care of is an appreciated offer.

“Without FLJ most of our children, even though academically able, perhaps would not get the chance to attend the high school of their choice due to financial constraints,” said Roache-Chatrie.

For her part, Guidance Counsellor at the Half-Way Tree Primary School in St. Andrew, Kamille-Kay Brown, has echoed the parents’ sentiments noting that since 2014, twenty students of her institution have benefitted from FLJ’s generosity.

“The students who have benefitted from the FLJ scholarships are from families that struggle to make ends meet, even with a 9-5. While a few beneficiaries come from dedicated, nuclear homes, the majority are from dedicated single-parent homes, and some who are cared for by their grandparents, other relatives, or guardians,” Brown noted.

Dr. Icolyn Amarakoon has been a mentor with FLJ since 2013. Fondly called ‘Auntie Ico’ by the students, she is currently assigned to three mentees, and has underscored the personal gains of being a mentor as one of the main reasons she continues to be of support to the students.

“I enjoy giving of myself. It gives me much satisfaction to share my experiences and learn from them as well. It gives me a sense of purpose, helping to prepare the next generation to take my place; not only that it’s something I would have appreciated as a child in high school,” said Amarakoon.

Former beneficiary, Britney Lawrence, has praised FLJ for its 10 years of changing lives. Lawrence, a past student of Ensom City Primary School and St. Andrew High School for Girls, is currently a student at Northern Caribbean University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science.

“The work that is done by FLJ touches the lives of all those who become a part of the FLJ family. To the directors, keep up the excellent work that you are doing and the continued effort that you put into making this initiative a success. To the recipients, continue to make FLJ’s investment worth it and take full advantage of the opportunities that are open for you,” Lawrence said.

Meanwhile, Green notes that while 10 years is a milestone, it also brings into focus a time of reflection and evaluation as the organisation looks forward to the future with much optimism to fulfill a vision of creating opportunities and an environment of success for students.

“Over the next few weeks the organisation will roll out its 3-5 year plan which will see the launching of various initiatives aimed at doubling the number of scholarship awards (from 47 in 2022 to 100 in 2027) over the next 5 years. We will also be launching our SAT prep programme in partnership with US- based non-profit organisation NSYP. This initiative will provide SAT training for our 5th and 6th formers,” Green shared.

The main highlight of the 10th anniversary is a gala dinner scheduled for Saturday, October 15 at the Jamaica Pegasus, where former Government Minister, Dr Fenton Ferguson will be the guest speaker. The organisation will also embark on a ‘day of service’ by conducting beautification works at the Best Care Special Education School in Kingston on National Heroes Day.