Disabled father’s commitment rewarded with scholarship for daughter
A disabled but determined Jamaican father has been rewarded for his dedication, with the granting of a scholarship to his daughter by the Eternal Father Awards (EFA).
Felix Morris is the inaugural recipient of EFA’s Sam Sharpe Award for Exemplary Fathers with disabilities.
The dad lost limb function in his hands due to an accident. However, that has not stopped him from being the primary caregiver for his daughter, Daniel Morris.
The EFA explained that Morris’ disability greatly limits his employment options and, in recent times, it has become increasingly difficult to fund his daughter’s education as she matriculated to Grade 10 in September 2025.
Through donations from a select group of individuals, The President’s 25, the EFA was able to offer a scholarship package valued at J$250,000. The two-tranche scholarship awarded to the family will fund school-related expenses for the academic year 2025/2026, provide a laptop and smartphone, and pay for the sitting of CSEC subjects in 2026.
“The vision of the Eternal Father Awards has always been to honour Jamaican fathers who quietly and faithfully do the good work, while reshaping the narrative that too often paints fatherhood in a negative light,” said EFA President and Founder, Anna Smith.
“When I witnessed the unwavering love and sacrifice that Felix Morris poured into raising his daughter, Daniel, even amidst many setbacks, I realised the greatest way to honour him was not only with recognition, but with community. This year, I chose to summon that community, one that can sow seeds of change in her life, beginning with financial support but extending to the social and emotional, to complement his years of resilience. It is my hope that through this, he will know he has never been alone in this journey,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Kaysia Kerr praised the EFA for spotlighting fathers who are raising their children right. She also stressed that it is the NSPC’s responsibility to support parents who are a part of a vulnerable group.
“The National Parenting Support Commission’s mandate places emphasis on parents who fall into these vulnerable groups. When we heard of Mr. Moris’ story we knew that it had the potential to inspire fathers and he needs to know that his efforts are seen and appreciated,” said Kerr.
The EFA Focus is made possible by the President’s 25, which is a select group of guests invited to make donations to the cause in focus.
Anna Smith ( Green) – President of The Eternal Father Award, Kaysia Kerr- CEO of the National Parenting Support Commission ( Black Blazer and Red Blouse), Sherene Brown Director of Food & Beverage, ROK Hotel ( Black Suit), Shelly- Ann Weeks- Executive Director of Her Flow Foundation and EFA Judge George Roper, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Jamaica and Representative of the President’s 25 presenting scholarship funds to Felix and Daniel Morris.