GG service programme sends 24 students to colleges, universities
Published:Saturday | September 7, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Twenty-four tertiary-level students started the academic year with reduced financial burdens, thanks to the annual Summer of Service programme under the Governor General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE).
The programme, which is in its seventh year, disbursed $12 million to the students, raised mostly from corporate sponsors.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen congratulated the award recipients for high levels of volunteerism in projects across Jamaica for eight weeks over the summer.
At a recent ceremony at King’s House, Sir Patrick told the students that their work would impact lives positively.
“I want you to know, young people, that the good you have done over the past eight weeks will significantly impact the lives of many persons. Your commitment demonstrates a level of ambition for self-actualisation and a sense of responsibility towards nation-building,” he told the 24 students.
King’s House said that 24 students were selected from 41 individuals who applied for assistance.
The beneficiaries worked on projects ranging from working with children from volatile communities, tutoring students in mathematics, working at state-operated children’s homes and golden age homes, providing creative learning activities for children with disabilities, and providing back-to-school supplies.
Assistance included full four-year scholarships and grants to The University of the West Indies, Mona; Northern Caribbean University; University of Technology, Jamaica; the Caribbean Maritime University; St Joseph’s Teachers’ College, The Mico University College; and the Moneague Teacher’s College.
Beneficiaries are pursuing studies in medicine, law, environmental health, education, tourism and hospitality management, science and technology, business administration, nursing, actuarial science, pharmacy, social work, and marketing.
The governor general also thanked all sponsors who made the donations possible.
The Summer of Service programme is an arm of the Governor-General’s I Believe Initiative, which was established in 2011. To date, 75 persons have received assistance under the programme, which has education as the main focus. The I Believe Initiative is predicated on the pillars of family, youth, and education.
National Coordinator for GGPE Sonja Simms told The Gleaner that the programme provided young people about to enter universities and colleges, or those already enrolled in their first year, with the opportunity to volunteer, serve their country, and gain valuable workforce and other skills.
Students must maintain a GPA average of 3.6.