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Sagicor Foundation fuels youth empowerment through PM’s National Youth Awards

Published:Saturday | April 27, 2024 | 12:06 AM
Jacqueline Donaldson (second left), vice-president, corporate services, Sagicor Group Jamaica, hands over a symbolic cheque for $500,000 to the 2024 Prime Minister Youth awardees for academic excellence, alongside Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Wil
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Jacqueline Donaldson (second left), vice-president, corporate services, Sagicor Group Jamaica, hands over a symbolic cheque for $500,000 to the 2024 Prime Minister Youth awardees for academic excellence, alongside Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams (third left). The awardees are Aayush Jain (left); Nile Anderson (third right); Kuti Kmau Ra, represented by his mother (second right); and Tashae Bowes.

Four beneficiaries have collectively received a donation of $500,000 from the Sagicor Foundation, at the recent Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence. The event which took place last Saturday, at the lawns of Jamaica House, celebrates outstanding Jamaicans ages 15-29 for their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to national progress.

“Our partnership with the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence exemplifies this commitment, as we continue to champion the remarkable achievements of young Jamaicans who are driving positive change in their communities and beyond,” stated President and CEO of Sagicor Group and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, Chris Zacca.

Nile Anderson, one of the winners of the Academic Award and a past Sagicor Scholar, who was overjoyed upon receiving this donation, said, “I’ve always said that I have wanted to create a positive change in Jamaica by contributing to academia. So, as planned, I am inspired to pursue further studies in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, in order to help bridge the skill gap in Jamaica.”

Anderson continued, “I think the award is also a testament to the efforts of everyone who has contributed to my success and ability to pursue my dream of engineering. Sagicor was the first to believe in my seemingly crazy dream to make a transition from the MB BS Programme to my true love of engineering. Even when I encountered further challenges due to the pandemic, they continued to believe in my dream and were a consistent source of support.”

Zacca also praised the exceptional talent and drive of the awardees, stating, “These young individuals inspire us with their passion and achievements, and we are proud to continue supporting their journey toward excellence.”

Since the inception of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards, nearly 300 young Jamaicans have been honoured for their remarkable achievements, both nationally and internationally in areas such as sports, youth development, arts and culture, academics, agriculture, leadership, journalism, and entrepreneurship.

“Sagicor’s support of events like this cultivates leadership and innovation among Jamaican youth in several ways, such as financial support via grants. Recipients can access resources and opportunities they might not have otherwise, as well as recognition from and alignment with a brand that seeks to recognise outstanding achievements,” said Yanique Williams, senior director (acting), Youth and Adolescents Policy Division. “Overall, Sagicor’s support of events like this empowers Jamaican youth to become leaders in their communities and catalysts for innovation, driving positive change and progress.”