The Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce-led Pocket Rocket Foundation was among 24 organisations which focus on education, health care, and economic development presented with grants totalling almost $90 million by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) on Tuesday.

Among the other recipients are the Institute of Jamaica, Kingston Creative, Jamaica Cancer Society, Project STAR, We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital, Hope Zoo, Church Teachers’ College, and the Issa Trust Foundation.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony held at the United States Embassy in St Andrew, Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams expressed gratitude to the AFJ for its contribution to development initiatives, especially in the education sector, which accounted for 60 per cent of the awardees.

“Giving back is important to make a positive impact on life, to support education and health-care initiatives, to promote growth in communities, and to foster a sense of community and connection in the lives of others,” said Williams.

She expressed confidence that the selected organisations will utilise the funds to create significant and positive impact on their communities.

“I support and recognise the importance of empowering Jamaicans to realise their full potential and that these grants will help them to have a brighter future,” added Williams.

President of AFJ Wendy Hart noted that the 40-year-old charity has made significant strides in strategically connecting resources in the United States to worthwhile causes in Jamaica.

The organisation comprises several former US ambassadors to Jamaica and other prominent individuals who are inspired by a common love for the island and a vision for the country.

“For nearly 40 years the AFJ has developed an extensive network of donors, partners, and grantee organisations that uniquely positions the organisation to effectively mobilise and distribute resources for change where it counts. AFJ recognises its fiduciary responsibility and its work is deeply rooted in accountability and transparency,” said Hart.

The AFJ board of directors seeks to tap into the network of support provided by American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, members of the diplomatic corps, and Jamaicans living overseas as well as the various other individuals with a dedication to the economic and cultural sustainability of Jamaica.

In February, the annual AFJ grant cycle closed with 54 discretionary grant application submissions. The grants presented at the recent awards ceremony form part of nearly US$1 million in funds from the AFJ to grantees in Jamaica this year.

The AFJ grant cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed in April of the following year.

One of this year’s recipients, A New Jamaica of Peace Foundation that empowers the youth of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town to make better life choices, was happy for the grant. The foundation offers free classes in education, the arts, and skills training.

“We are feeling very blessed and grateful. We work with the youth, and as we grow with them, we have added different components. As we try to give them more, they need more investments. We have to take seriously investing in our youth. We do not want another generation to become involved in crime and criminality,” said Clarion Phillpotts, founder and managing director of the foundation.

Javanna Campbell, Ambassador Sue Cobb Scholar at The University of the West Indies, speaking on behalf of the other scholarship recipients, said their education was made possible by the many donors that supported the AFJ.

“Your support has empowered us to pursue our dreams. We are taking full advantage of this opportunity and encourage persons to continue supporting the AFJ so that they can continue to assist others to realise their full potential,” Campbell said.

Also present at the ceremony were US Ambassador to Jamaica N Nick Perry and Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, former AFJ director.