KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in partnership with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA), has launched a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting the children of Jamaican farm workers employed in Ontario.

Under the initiative, 10 scholarships valued at J$115,000 each will be awarded to eligible secondary school students to help cover essential education-related costs, including books, uniforms, examination fees, transportation, and lunch expenses.

The programme marks 60 years of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP), which has provided steady employment for thousands of Jamaicans while supporting Canada’s agricultural sector and enabling families to invest in their children’s education and future. The initiative is supported by a CAD $10,000 donation from the OFVGA.

“For 60 years, Jamaican workers have been the backbone of Ontario’s harvest,” Benjamin Murray, communications advisor at OFVGA said in a press release on Friday. “Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers simply could not produce without the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, and Jamaican workers have been central to that success. This scholarship represents our commitment to investing in the families who make our industry possible.”

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, also underscored the long-term benefits of overseas employment under SAWP.

“Jamaican farm workers have built more than Canada’s harvests; they have built opportunities for their children through sacrifice and hard work abroad,” he said. “This scholarship ensures that their dedication translates into educational advancement and expanded horizons for the next generation. It is a fitting tribute to 60 years of partnership and the thousands of families whose lives have been transformed through SAWP.”

Each scholarship will provide financial assistance for one academic year. Recipients will be selected through a random draw from eligible applicants who meet all qualifying criteria.

To qualify, applicants must be the biological child or legal dependent of an eligible SAWP worker, be enrolled at a recognised secondary institution in Jamaica, and have maintained a minimum B average on their most recent academic report.

Additionally, parents or guardians must have participated in SAWP for at least three consecutive years, worked with the same Ontario employer throughout the qualifying period, and be currently employed in Ontario in good standing.

Applications will be accepted from April 1 to June 30, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified, and scholarships will be awarded in August 2026, ahead of the new academic year.