WINDALCO splashes out $20m to assist students
UC Rusal Alumina Jamaica Ltd/WINDALCO has invested $20 million in its annual back-to-school programme for this year.
The company awarded scholarships and grants to 73 students pursuing higher education at local colleges and universities.
Additionally, 14 students who scored high marks in the recent sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams received scholarships and book vouchers as they transition to high school.
The students were awarded at a ceremony at WINDALCO’s Ewarton Works Sports Club on Wednesday.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, WINDALCO’s Human Resources Director Glendon Johnson encouraged the recipients to continue to excel in order to benefit further from the company’s philanthropy.
“These programmes are not only designed as an incentive to ensure you continue to do well but as a means of providing hope for those in need. We are aware that students within and outside of our operational areas rely heavily on the financial assistance we provide annually, therefore our educational programmes are always implemented despite the challenges facing the company,” said Johnson.
First-time scholarship recipient Davia McLean thanked WINDALCO for assisting her and other students with their college tuition.
“I must extend our heartfelt thanks to WINDALCO. The company’s generosity has not only provided us with invaluable financial support but has also motivated us to pursue our academic goals with even greater determination.
“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and we are committed to making the most of it. I thank the company for believing in our potential, investing in our future, and for making a difference in our lives,” said McLean.
Students are eligible for future financial assistance from WINDALCO once they maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
In the meantime, the company also invested more than $6 million to host back-to-school fairs in St Catherine and St Ann, where more than 1,000 students benefited from free medical checks and received more than $1 million in book vouchers and other school supplies.
