MORANT BAY, St Thomas (JIS) — Four students from St Thomas are set to pursue their university education with greater financial support, after receiving academic grants totalling $600,000 through Moyston’s Lifechanging Powerhouse Open Door University Scholarship Fund.

The awards, which were presented on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Lyssons Church of God in Christ, marks the first time that the Open Door University Scholarship is being presented.

The initiative is designed to assist university students from St Thomas overcome some of the financial challenges associated with pursuing tertiary education.

In addition to the scholarships, two students received tablet devices from the Universal Service Fund under the initiative.

The devices are expected to enhance their learning experience by supporting online classes, research, assignments, and other academic activities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, co-founder of Moyston’s Lifechanging Powerhouse, Associate Pastor Kenroy Moyston said the organisation was proud to invest in the educational aspirations of young people in St Thomas.

“This fund was established to assist the university students who are living in St Thomas who are connected to the church… and we want the world to know that the church supports its own also. As I’ve said from we began… I may not have $1,000… I may not have $100,000, but together, we can do things to support each other in the scholarship,” he said.

Beneficiaries of the Open Door University Scholarship (from left) Jaheim Henry; Davaughne Brown; Daviann Walker, mother of scholarship recipient Diandra Coburn; and Kemauri Bonny, pose with a symbolic cheque valued at $600,000 following the scholarship handover ceremony at Lyssons Church of God in Christ in St Thomas on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Moyston encouraged the recipients to make full use of the opportunities being afforded to them and to leverage their education to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

Speaking on the selection process, co-founder of the charitable foundation Melaine Moyston acknowledged the challenge faced by the scholarship committee in choosing recipients from the 10 applications submitted for the inaugural staging of the programme.

“That process was a bit hard… to see the needs of so many persons. But we were able to come to the point where we interviewed persons who all, of course, had the need… and we’re happy to be able to help at least four persons,” Moyston said.

One of the scholarship recipients, Jaheim Henry, who is preparing to begin his first year at University of Technology, Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support.

“As the name suggests, this scholarship is an open door for me. It means that I will be able to start my university process with a bit of ease on the financial struggle. I won’t have to worry as much as to how my tuition will be covered, etc,” he said.

“To other persons who may benefit from this scholarship, I would say put yourself out there… you never know what can happen. With every help that you get, no matter how small it may be, it is still help, it is still assistance… and I would say strive for the stars,” Henry added.

Another recipient, Kemauri Bonny, said the scholarship has strengthened his determination to excel academically.

Scholarship recipient Jaheim Henry expresses gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries of the Open Door University Scholarship during the handover ceremony held at Lyssons Church of God in Christ in St Thomas on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

“Many persons applied, and it’s really a privilege for me to be selected out of the many persons. I will, to the best of my abilities, ensure that I do my best in school. This scholarship will really help me to pursue my course of study,” he said.

Daviann Walker, mother of scholarship recipient Diandra Coburn, expressed appreciation for the award.

“For me, and for her as well, it is an ease of the financial burden… because Diandra lost her dad six months ago… so it’s just us really pushing through. So, it’s a great help to us,” Walker said.

The Open Door University Scholarship is the brainchild of the Moystons.

The initiative is administered through their foundation in partnership with Lyssons Church of God in Christ.

It was launched through a gospel concert held at Lyssons Primary School in May featuring performances by Carey Sayles, Mykal Malachi, Sister Bonnie and Brother Simon, and also served as a fund-raiser to support the scholarship.

Moyston’s Lifechanging Powerhouse has expressed gratitude to its sponsors, the students and their families, as well as the various stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful launch and implementation of Open Door University.