Baker McDonald encourages skills training, gifts tablets to Bounty Hall graduates
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — United States-based businesswoman Cynthia Baker McDonald is urging students who do not excel academically to acquire a skill, as Jamaica is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers.
The Bounty Hall, Trelawny native was speaking on Tuesday at a graduation ceremony at Bounty Hall Primary and Infant School for students who were awarded places at secondary schools after sitting the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.
“Sometimes a lot of children go to the traditional schools and they’re doctors and lawyers, and sometimes they go to the non-traditional schools and they’re still doctors and lawyers. However, the ones that cannot reach the academical standards they should strive [to acquire] a skill. We’re short of all kinds of skilled workers: masons, electricians, plumbers. Presently, Jamaica is contracting people from different countries to do construction work,” she said.
“So my emphasis today is to encourage you to make use of the opportunity to be the best carpenter, to be the best plumber, to be the best electrician, the best skill workers — all skills and achieve it to high level.”
Baker McDonald, who since 1998 has been providing scholarships for school leavers at Bounty Hall Primary, handed over 24 iPad and Android tablets as well as cash ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to the 24 students graduating from the primary school on Tuesday.
In fact, the lion’s share of the grants was reserved for students placed at non-traditional high schools and those whose parents are deemed to be facing financial challenges.
The 16 students at the infant department, teachers, and all members of the school community were also presented with gifts by Baker McDonald, who also provided lunch.
Additionally, the philanthropist made arrangements to provide financial assistance to two students —-throughout their educational journey—who were placed at non-traditional high schools.
She expressed her gratitude to her children, office staff, and close friends and relatives “who helped to contribute some of the iPads.”
