THE JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation awarded $12.2 million in scholarships and bursaries to 65 students at the secondary and tertiary levels for the 2023/24 academic year. The scholarship programme aims to transform the lives of recipients by bridging the financial gap of these students and allowing them to realise their dreams.

Speaking on the occasion of the recent handover ceremony held at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, Patricia Sutherland, chairman of the foundation, said they are interested in supporting students at all levels, with all abilities to unearth their greatness and transform their lives and the lives of their families.

“This is the reason we give scholarships to students not solely on the basis of academic qualifications, but consideration is given to need. For many of them, they will be the first in their families to be university graduates, thereby transforming themselves [and in turn] will transform their communities and the nation,” she said.

Sutherland further noted that JMMB Group is not solely focused on making a profit, but through its philanthropic arm, seeks to add real value to people’s lives and empower them in the true spirit of the late co-founder Joan Duncan.

This year’s recipients include final-year undergraduate students enrolled in selected degree programmes at local universities. Additionally, secondary school students who were awarded the commemorative bursaries to mark JMMB Group’s 30th anniversary last year will see their bursaries renewed. The scholarship covers tuition and other school-related expenses such as books.

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, outlined that she was especially pleased with the recipients who participated in a robust selection process, as many of the awardees will be pursuing careers in fields in which the country has current skills gaps, such as nursing, education, agricultural science, and other science-related fields.

Justyn Allen, final-year student at The University of the West Indies, Mona, underscored the ripple effect of the scholarship programme, describing it as an investment in youth that pays dividends to Jamaica.

“Youth are our greatest asset and by providing us with the necessary financial support we will be able to overcome our stories of struggle and self-doubt and pursue [academic] excellence. We stand here as future nation-builders and we intend to use this opportunity to make a difference in our own lives and that of our families, communities, and country,” she said.

In addition to the financial support provided by the foundation, all scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to participate in the year-long Leadership, Involvement and Innovation, Financial Literacy & Education (LIFE) Accelerator programme. This holistic programme is designed to assist students to develop their soft skills by providing sessions on career development, financial literacy, mindset and self-awareness, and visioning. It will also allow students to network and be more deliberate in leading purpose-driven lives.