HOPEWELL, Hanover — A mother and her two daughters who have overcome significant personal and financial struggles and are now pursuing their tertiary education, were among several beaming scholarship recipients celebrating a helping hand from Western Jamaica’s renowned Hanover Charities on Tuesday.

Life has not been easy for Tracy-Ann Grant, a mother of five who faced early parenthood and personal setbacks after becoming pregnant in the 11th grade while attending Rusea’s High School.

“I did not get the opportunity to do my subjects the way I wanted to do them, and a lot of things ended for me there, because after becoming pregnant I had struggles. I had low self-esteem; I was thinking that I was not good enough again, and I had given up in life,” shared Grant, who is now a hotel administrator.

Despite those early challenges, she is now a resilient single parent, determined to ensure her children achieve the goals she was unable to achieve in the past.

“I tried my best with my children. Opportunities and privileges that I didn’t get, I try to ensure that I get that for them. My first daughter went to Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College; my second daughter graduated from NCU [Northern Caribbean University]. I am now enrolled in Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College doing the school counselling course, and my two last children, one is in NCU and the other will be graduating from high school and heading on to university as well,” revealed the proud mother.

Grant is now using her journey to inspire others.

Bethlehem Moravian College student, Rickela Williams, a Hanover Charities scholarship recipient. (Photo: Anthony Lewis)

“I want to encourage parents, people who might be going through struggles like me, thinking that they can’t do this or financially they can’t — just try. Don’t give up. Keep trying. Push hard as you can. Ask for help. Reach out to Hanover Charities,” she said.

“I was thinking that at my age I was not gonna get through but hey, here I am, getting through just as my daughters are getting through. I am feeling awesome!

“At one point when I was saying that I’m gonna have to give up and give my daughters the privileges of going — because they need it more than I and I am already past that age and stage — but then Hanover Charities stepped in, and I am so grateful to be a recipient and to still be receiving. I’m gonna make my parish, Hanover, proud and I’m gonna continue. When I am finished, just like Hanover Charities helped me, I will be helping someone to reach their goal just the same,” assured Grant.

Currently entering her fourth year at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College in St James, she has an annual tuition fee of more than $400,000. This marks her third year benefiting from a Hanover Charities scholarship.

Meanwhile, one of her daughters, who is majoring in biochemistry at NCU, is entering her third year as a beneficiary of the charity. Her tuition is nearly $1 million each year.

Sharing a similar sense of relief and gratitude was another beneficiary, Rickela Williams from Negril, Westmoreland. She attends Bethlehem Moravian College and was also a proud scholarship recipient for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Chairperson of Hanover Charities, Katrin Casserly addressing the organisation’s annual grant ceremony held at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas in this parish on Tuesday. (Photo: Anthony Lewis)

Majoring in business studies with a minor in office system administration, Williams faces annual school fees exceeding $400,000. She credited her late aunt, who knew the charity’s chairperson, for introducing her to the organisation.

“One of my biggest personal challenges was balancing my educational goals with financial pressures. There were times when the cost of school-related expenses created stress and uncertainty. Receiving the Hanover Charities scholarship helped ease the burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal development,” stated Williams.

She spoke of the life lessons she has taken away from the process.

“The experience taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity that I get. It also showed me that there are organisations and people who genuinely care about helping young people to succeed. That encouragement motivated me to continue working hard and striving towards my goals,” stated Williams.

“Beyond the financial support, it also gave me confidence and the motivation, knowing that an organisation believed in my potential and they’re investing in my future. I encourage young people, persons who would love to further their education, to each year grasp this opportunity and make your family proud,” added Williams.

Senior corporate director for Sandals Corporate University, Dr Luz Longworth (seated fourth left); chairperson of Hanover Charities, Katrin Casserly (seated centre), and education officer in the Ministry of Education’s Region 4, Dr Susan Simms (seated fourth right) are among others sharing in a photo op with Hanover Charities scholarship beneficiaries during the annual grant ceremony held at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas in this parish on Tuesday. (Photo: Anthony Lewis)

She said her late aunt was the one who first told her of opportunities available through Hanover Charities.

Williams encouraged others in a similar situation to get help.

Chairperson of the 69-year-old Hanover Charities Katrin Casserly noted that while 500 students will be awarded scholarships this year, only 112 of the 235 renewal students were present at Tuesday’s event. She announced that a separate function will be held in July to celebrate new recipients. This year’s bursary is valued at $100 million.

“Education is the bridge to opportunity, and we are deeply proud that this programme has become one of the most impactful in the nation — forming a true community. We always attempt to help more youth but we do what we can and continue increasing year after year as we believe in our mandate and mission,” stated Casserly during her address to the hundreds in attendance at Tuesday’s annual grant ceremony held at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Hanover.

“The challenges we face as an organisation, we wish for you students to go out there with a badge of honour and face your challenges as well. All we ask of you is to be productive citizens, to contribute to society as one day you will have to carry this energy forward and the baton for the next generation. To every student sitting here today, I want you to also understand that this scholarship is not charity — it’s an investment. Someone who may never meet you personally believes in your future.

“Someone believes that the teacher, nurse, engineer, entrepreneur, or leader you become will help shape Jamaica. Today, we are not simply awarding grants, we are investing in possibility,” added Casserly.