Jamalco Scholars get Second Tranche of 5 Year Scholarships

Fourteen high school students from Manchester and Clarendon, who received 5-year scholarships last year from bauxite/alumina producer, Jamalco, were handed the second tranche of the funds on Friday September 4.

The scholarships are valued at a total of $420, 000 and were awarded last year to children selected from communities falling under each of the seven operating Jamalco community councils, by their principals, teachers, and guidance counsellors, based on need and academic performance.

The funds, which will assist them with non-tuition costs, are disbursed through the schools. Each recipient receives $30, 000, annually, on condition that he/she maintains good grades and discipline at school.

The presentation ceremonies were held at three Jamalco locations: Halse Hall Great House, Clarendon; Williamsfield Lands Office, Manchester; and the former Mines Office, St. Jago, Manchester.

Public and Community Relations Administrator at Jamalco, Pamela White, said at the Clarendon ceremony, that these are students who are achieving despite the odds, and the company was giving them a chance to do better.

"We are proud of this programme, because it gives the company an opportunity to give back to our communities in a meaningful way," she said, while imploring the students to do their best and involve themselves in extracurricular activities at their respective schools.

Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)