KINGSTON, Jamaica — Eighteen university students who grew up in state care expressed gratitude after receiving scholarships from the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Foundation last Wednesday, during its annual awards luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The awardees received a combined US$60,000 (J$9 million) in scholarships from COJO in honour of the foundation’s 30th anniversary.

Guest speaker Audrey Tugwell Henry, President and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica, encouraged the awardees to embrace resilience with the mantra “Yes I Can,” urging them to face challenges with courage and perseverance.

“Don’t let your circumstances define you,” she told them. “Moments of adversity will happen but always keep moving.”

For final-year Shortwood Teachers’ College student Christopher Dawes, the moment was deeply personal. Pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Human Ecology, Dawes delivered the address on behalf of the recipients.

“I saw the application in a group chat and decided to submit,” he shared. “When I found out I was selected, I was overwhelmed not by grief, but the grace that met me in that moment.”

Quoting Isaiah 46:4, Dawes added, “Even to your old age I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. These words are not just scriptures; they are a reflection of this very moment.”

In an interview with Observer Online, Dawes revealed just how critical the support was. “I didn’t know how my final year was going to finish. I was thinking about student loan, but at the other end I’m saying no,” he said, urging others in similar situations to actively seek out opportunities.

COJO Foundation CEO Gary Williams beamed with pride as he reflected on the foundation’s impact. “It’s a good feeling. I’m very happy and overjoyed that the great work has paid off and to see the kids smiling this evening with their scholarship cheque. It’s really a blessing,” he said.

He encouraged the students to remain steadfast despite life’s obstacles. “They all can become productive citizens. We all have our ups and downs, I have had mine in the past but I never let it define me. I moved forward.”

Other recipients expressed gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. “I feel relieved really, and I feel special and chosen” said Latanya Williams.

Colleen Walters, a first-year Business Administration student at The University of the West Indies, said the award was a major breakthrough. “It’s a great lift financially because I am currently a SLB (Student Loan Bureau) recipient and to get this money to cover one year, it feels magnificent.”

Yashen Barracks, a computer science major at the University of Technology, said the scholarship reminded her of her potential. “I’m never going to be selling myself short of my dreams. This in my hand is a reflection of why I should keep going and keep trying and achieve those goals.”

— Carlysia Ramdeen

resident and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited Mrs Audrey Tugwell engages awardees in an affirmation. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)