REINFORCING its commitment to empowering Jamaica’s next generation, KFC Jamaica has stepped forward in support of the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Foundation by investing in scholarships that will help former wards of the State access higher education and unlock greater opportunities for success.

Through this sponsorship KFC has donated $4 million to COJO’s wider scholarship programme.

Four recipients received $800,000 each to help offset expenses connected to their studies and were among 15 young people awarded scholarships by COJO this year to assist with tuition, boarding and other education-related needs.

The support was announced during COJO’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Tuesday, where the achievements of young Jamaicans who have transitioned out of State care were celebrated.

The recipients were recognised not only for their academic progress, but also for the resilience, discipline and determination they continue to show.

The contribution came at an important stage in the recipients’ lives as for many university brings not only academic demands, but also the added pressure of finding the resources needed to stay enrolled, remain focused, and keep moving forward.

That is the kind of support Kandine West, marketing officer at KFC Jamaica, said the brand was pleased to provide through its sponsorship of this year’s COJO scholarship awards.

“This initiative means a great deal to us because it allows KFC to support young people who are already doing the work to build a better future for themselves,” said West.

“These scholarship recipients have shown resilience, discipline and determination, and we are proud to play a part in supporting them as they continue their university journey.

“We are helping to ease some of the financial pressure that can come with pursuing higher education, while encouraging these young people to keep striving, remain focused, and continue moving confidently toward the future they are working so hard to create,” added West.

The scholarship programme is part of COJO’s wider work to support children and young people in Jamaica, particularly through initiatives that improve access to education, health, and overall well-being.

For more than 30 years the organisation has supported underserved children and youth, and for the last 15 years, it has also provided scholarships to former wards of the State continuing their education.

Gary Williams, chairman and founder of COJO, said the organisation’s work has always been rooted in people coming together to open doors for young Jamaicans.

“At COJO, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to continue building their future,” said Williams.

“This work is personal to me. It is not simply charity; it is family, responsibility, and love. It is about strengthening the village around these young people and reminding them that they are not walking this journey alone,” Williams added as he thanked KFC and the other sponsors for becoming part of that village.

“To our scholarship recipients, this opportunity carries both hope and responsibility. Work hard, stay focused, continue to dream [and] use this opportunity wisely and never forget how far you have already come,” Williams said.

Speaking to the resilience of the recipients and the shared commitment needed to support them beyond State care, Laurette Adams-Thomas, chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), said the scholarships represent much more than financial assistance.

“For many of you, your journeys have been difficult. You have navigated storms most of us have never experienced and overcome challenges that many people your age will never fully understand,” said Adams-Thomas.

“Yet here you are, pursuing higher education, striving for excellence, and proving that resilience can indeed become a powerful force for success. What we see here today is a testament to your unbreakable strength.

“This scholarship is much more than financial assistance. It is a message that says, ‘we see you, we believe in you, and we are invested in you and your future’,” added Adams-Thomas.