Wagga Hunt Foundation disburses millions
Published:Tuesday | October 1, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
TWENTY-FOUR STUDENTS from Kingston College and Calabar high schools, 12 from each, received $3.6 million in support from the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt foundation at its annual scholarship awards ceremony at the National Housing Trust (NHT) auditorium on Sunday.
The David Wagga Hunt scholarship has been in existence since 2009, two years after the passing of the former coach and football administrator.
Christopher Hunt, co-chairman of the foundation and brother of David Hunt, revealed that over the life of the scholarship, $26 million has been disbursed. That figure jumps to $36 million when contributions to the school bodies are added.
“Three years ago, in COVID-19, we gave the two schools $2 million. Then two years ago we gave $500,000 per school. So in total we have disbursed $36 million. This year we will have 24 scholarship recipients and we are going to disburse $3.6 million,” he said.
The scholarships, which are now worth $150,000 per year for each student, go to two grade eight students from each school every year and carry through until they exit school at grade 13.
Also on Sunday, eight of the students (grade eight and grade 12) were presented with laptops.
Although proud of what the foundation has achieved to date, Hunt said the organisation hopes to expand its reach.
“We are about nation building and we are trying to help as much kids as we can. We are going on 17 years and I am just amazed by the growth and support. Continue to give your support and we will do what we can to expand on the programme,” he said.
Crisis in boys’ education
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Kasan Troupe, said the underperformance of boys remains a serious concern in Jamaica and that the David Wagga Hunt scholarship is one way of tackling that.
“We celebrate the legacy of David (Hunt). In this way it is about chipping away at the crisis we have with boys’ education in Jamaica and as a Ministry of Education, to get support in addressing that crisis is extremely important and something that we must recognise and give thanks for.
“So I must acknowledge the planning committee and the foundation committee members, who saw it fit to give back to the institutions ‘Wagga’ served. And in doing so, we are maintaining the legacy of this wonderful Jamaican,” she commented, while imploring the recipients to grasps the ‘investment’ made in them.
Kingston College principal Dave Myrie said the generosity of the foundation continues to play a crucial role in the lives of the young men, allowing them to pursue their academic and personal goals without the weight of financial burden.
“On behalf of Kingston College I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Wagga Hunt foundation for their continued support and the scholarships provided for our students,” he said.
Calabar principal Sian Wilson said the foundation continues to uplift and empower boys through academic excellence and even their involvement beyond the classroom.
“It has transformed the lives of many young men, through scholarships both academic and sports and community involvement. It also nurtures character and serves as a beacon of hope for our students,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), which has been a main sponsor for 16 of the 17 years, will remain with the foundation for the foreseeable future, said CEO of VMBS Money Transfer Services, Michael Howard.
“VM Building Society was a sponsor for six years. VM Wealth was a sponsor for six years and now VM Money Transfer. So what I want to do is make a commitment from VM Money Transfer that we will not only sponsor for six years, but will continue to sponsor,” he said.