Young Christians give back to students
Published:Thursday | October 18, 2018 | 12:00 AMTamara Bailey/Gleaner Writer
They say it is a blessing when one can help another, and for the past few years, the members of the Universities and Colleges Apostolic Ministry (UCAM) have been doing just that: helping young people like themselves reach their academic goal.
"Over the years, a number of students' faith have been strengthened by the various initiatives and activities undertaken by UCAM. Others have come to know and accept the Lord Jesus Christ and have been baptised in His name and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost through social and spiritual outreach activities" said Sandrea Dennis-Plummer, executive committee member of the UCAM.
One such initiative is a scholarship fund designed to help students begin and continue their studies.
Financial Assistance
"Amidst the great spiritual benefits, and riveting testimonies of receiving financial assistance through various avenues, in 2015, a UCAM Scholarship Fund was launched to further bolster the existing bursary programmes. Since then, a total of $200,000 JMD (US$ 1,460) have been awarded to two students who had difficulties paying their tuition fees."
One such recipient was Loiette Donegan, who beat the financial hardships through the help of the UCAM Fund.
"Those were some frustrating days, especially when the time was coming up for the final payment date or being deregistered for non-payment. The Lord was on my side, and I have seen His providing hands at work. In 2015, my friends encouraged me to apply to the UCAM Scholarship Fund. I was hesitant at first, but I eventually did and I am happy I did. When I heard I got through, I was so overwhelmed! I want to thank the people who made this Fund possible and encourage other people to donate to those who really need help."
According to Dennis-Plummer, the Fund has been supported mainly by students themselves, who are able to share their finances with others. However, because of the little funding that comes in, quite a few needy students get left behind.
"The number of students that receive help is limited by the overall financial constraints of the Fund, and especially considering the fact that the amounts issued are usually less than 1/3 of a student's tuition cost in any given year. With this in mind, UCAM now seeks the assistance of its alumni and other persons who have a keen interest in helping these aspiring youngsters to achieve their educational goals.
She said that for the academic years, 2018-19 and 2019-20, the Fund hopes to increase the number of students it can assist, up from one each year, to three each year, with each student receiving not less than $150,000 JMD (US$ 1,095).
"In addition to being able to support the financial needs of students, the ministry also wishes to invest in some camping beds/sponges that are used once each semester for national retreats which cater to approximately 200-300 persons for each holding. The ownership of these beds will help to reduce the camping costs to students and thus will engender an increase in the number of students who are able to participate. It is usually at these camps that visitors and community members have an encounter with Christ through the ministry and surrender their lives to Him."
The committee executive expressed that the body hopes to raise US$12,000 by October 27, 2018.
"Your donation/support of the cause is highly appreciated as we celebrate 25 awesome years of existence and look forward to building a legacy. Please note that the bank accounts are accessed by authorised members of the current UCAM national executive body, headed by Bro. Aaron Crooks. You can follow us on social media to receive updates on the happenings in UCAM"
Donations may be made to:
National Commercial Bank
Branch: UWI Mona, Ring Road, Kingston, West Indies
Account Name: University and Colleges Apostolic Ministries
Account Number: 404-184-709