DEANO Deans, a student of Fair Prospect High in Portland, plans to incrementally sit Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams in order to build up to having the requisite subjects to achieve his dream of becoming a medical doctor. This requires funds which are not always readily available. He was, therefore, delighted to learn that he is a beneficiary of a grant which will make it possible for him to pay the fees for two subjects.

Deans is among 120 students and 80 teachers who are beneficiaries of the WATA Jamaica 60th education initiative, receiving a grant of $60,000 each. The grant is the result of the strong support of Jamaicans who chose WATA between July and October of this year in affirmation of the company’s commitment to direct one dollar from the sale of each bottle toward a fund of $12 million.

“This initiative provides direct support in line with a priority area for most Jamaicans and a cornerstone of individual and national development. We heard from the beneficiaries’ testimonials and have seen the data which show the broad impact this will have on 200 families. Funds will be used for present and future studies, purchasing school supplies, paying fees or buying devices,” said Francois Chalifour, Wisynco Group Ltd’s director of marketing & development.

The most frequently stated intention for use of the grant by both teachers and students was either securing or furthering their education. Thirty per cent of students’ nominations stated that the grants would be used to pay outstanding school fees, while 34 per cent of teachers’ applications aimed at financing further studies. Acquiring text books and school supplies was the second highest need indicated by both teachers and students.

Nominations were open from September 2 to October 20 and attracted the largest number of responses from the parish of St Catherine, followed by Clarendon then Kingston, with the smallest number of nominations coming from Trelawny. Grants were awarded to high school and tertiary school students and to teachers employed to institutions at all levels.

Of the WATA Jamaica 60th initiative, a mother who nominated her son’s teacher said: “I think this is a powerful tool to encourage stakeholders who are the foundation of our society.”

Someone who nominated a university student said: “The WATA Jamaica 60 education grant initiative, in my opinion, is a great move by a company in Jamaica that not only aims to assist students with financial struggles but, also teachers. Teachers being beneficiaries of this program shows inclusiveness and support.”

More than 5,500 students and teachers from across the island were nominated by parents, colleagues, neighbours, and themselves. In making the final selection, factors such as demographics, parish representation, intended use of funds, and completing all sections of the entry form were considered.