Fri | Nov 15, 2024

Hundreds of Scholarships Donated by Women's Group

Published:Tuesday | September 29, 2015 | 12:00 AMBarbara Ellington
Pause
Norman Grindley
The 2015 executive of the American Women's Group from left: Diane Grant, Karen Smith, Marcia Gallow, Cerise Casserly, first vice- president.Trefina Asiedu, Rose Barnett and president Claudja Alexander.
Norman Grindley
US Ambassador Luis G Moreno (left), addressing guests at last Thursday's American Women's Group at his St Andrew home.
Norman Grindley
From left: Yvonne Grinam-Nicholson, Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Enith Williams and Andrea Cowan, pose for the camera.
Norman Grindley
Members Valerie Brown, Norma Harrack and Yvonne Fisher enjoy the event.
1
2
3
4

IN ITS 30 years of existence, the American Women's Group (AWG) has disbursed 800 scholarships to needy Jamaican students, and current President Claudja Alexander is urging the membership to do more. She was speaking at the monthly meeting of the AWG held at the Jacks Hill residence of the United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno, on Thursday, September 17.

"I appreciate the work of the women of the AWG, especially the executive who give of their time and personal resources to the benefit of those we serve. I welcome all your ideas and support as we work to help even more students this year," Alexander said.

The group's main project this year is the St Martin de Porres Basic and Primary School and Homework Pavillion in Gordon Town, St Andrew, where the AWG is currently focused on helping to construct adequate facilities for the children. It is the latest in a number of educational institutions that have been assisted by the AWG over the years.

Principal of the school, Fay Buchanan, in thanking the AWG and seeking future partnership, highlighted a perimeter fence as being among the immediate needs of the school, as well as the furnishing of the principal's office and re-stocking of the library. She also told the AWG that a number of outstanding students from the school were successful in their GSAT exams and were now enrolled at top high schools, including Campion College, Wolmer's Boys' School and Immaculate High School.

Scholarship recipient Andrea Reid urged future beneficiaries to be goal-oriented, prioritise, and work hard. "It gets easier over time, but I know that there are challenges along all the roads we have to travel; these will only make you stronger. The environment can be toxic, but if you are serious, you will succeed; just use this chance that you got to help someone else who needs it," Reid told the audience.

Meanwhile, guest speaker Ambassador Moreno praised the group of inspiring women leaders for volunteering in Jamaica. "The American Women's Group of Kingston is well known for its commitment to volunteerism. I have great respect and admiration for the charitable work you do," he said.

"We thank you for your high standard of service to others, particularly Jamaican women and children," Moreno said, adding that part of his mandate during his tenure was to build on the United States' partnership with the Jamaican Government and people to further enable widespread health and prosperity on the island.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com