Students overcome challenges, receive $17m in Jamalco scholarships

Last Tuesday, 19-year-old Breanna Daley, a native of the rural community of Mitchell Town in Clarendon shared her story of triumph, defying the odds of poverty and hardship to achieve academic excellence.

Daley was among 70 scholarship recipients awarded by bauxite refinery company, Jamalco at its 18th education assistance awards ceremony held at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon.

Jamalco has awarded scholarships and school grants totalling over $17 million for the upcoming school year. Century Aluminum, Jamalco’s collaborating company, has further contributed an additional $5.2 million in scholarship funding awarded to scholars with the highest grade point average.

Daley, an alumna of Bustamante High School in the parish, is currently pursuing her degree at G. C. Foster College. She candidly shared that her dreams of furthering her education once seemed like an unattainable goal, until Jamalco stepped in, bridged the gap, and turned her aspirations into reality.

“Today, I express my profound gratitude for the Jamalco scholarship, and the incredible impact it has on my educational journey and my family’s well-being. The support provided by the Jamalco is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in my future. It will empower me to excel academically and has strengthened my resolve to make the most of this opportunity,” an enthused Daley shared.

“My family had a hard time getting by in a tiny, poorly constructed board house with few basic necessities. Even with my mom’s best efforts, we frequently lacked electricity, water, and food. At times, we had to rely on our neighbours for food or internet access to submit my assignments on time,” Daley shared during her testimonial.

Entrepreneurial spirit

Daley revealed that she resorted to tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit to overcome the challenges, taking initiative to sell bun and cheese, soft drinks, and ice cream. However, she admitted that not every day was easy, and there were times when the struggles seemed insurmountable.

“I remember days during my lunch break at school, I would normally have to go under a tree to read a book or talk with friends to surpass the lunch break, because of not having any money to buy lunch or even a bottle of water. I’ve been mocked by other students because of my situation however, I didn’t let that affect my ability. I’ve remained determined to succeed,” she shared.

Donna-Marie Brooks, Jamalco’s manager of corporate communication and public relations, asserted the company’s investment in education as a testament to Jamalco’s and Century Aluminum’s shared vision of nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence. Brooks stressed that by providing vital financial support, Jamalco continues to assist in unlocking the full potential of deserving students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Jada McCalla, a student at Northern Caribbean University, received the top scholar award, courtesy of Century Aluminum. McCalla expressed gratitude to Jamalco for empowering her dreams, especially since her mother, a single parent, had been struggling to make ends meet. She lauded the scholarship as the boost behind her academic excellence.

Another recipient of the Century Aluminum scholarship, Celine Mohammed, is set to embark on her tertiary journey as a civil engineering student at The University of the West Indies. Mohammed, also a product of a single-parent household, also acknowledged the challenges she faced.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the scholarship, she said, “This incredible opportunity will be a life-changing blessing for me. Receiving this scholarship will lift a tremendous weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus more on my studies, and less on financial worries. To me, this scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a symbol of trust and confidence in my abilities.”

Century Aluminum’s vice president and chief accounting officer, Rob Hoffman, highlighted the company’s commitment to deepen its partnership with Jamalco, with a particular focus on supporting the company’s scholarship initiatives. Hoffman assured that students will continue benefitting annually, provided they meet the specified criteria.

Guest speaker Dr Mark Nicely, general secretary of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA,) heaped praises on Jamalco, describing the company as “one of the most outstanding corporate citizens in the country”.

Nicely, in his address, recalled his tenure as principal of Hayes Primary and Junior High (now Hayes Primary and Infant) in the parish, where Jamalco played a transformative role, akin to a “Godparent”. During this period, Nicely said Jamalco generously provided the school with a state-of-the-art woodwork department, additional classrooms, and a cosmetology department, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. Nicely also implored parents to make necessary sacrifices to see their children’s success.

Jamalco’s managing director, Marvin Jackson, emphasised the importance of education, stating, “There’s no better investment than education.”

Addressing the recipients, he said, “You have achieved a significant milestone on your educational journey, and we are committed to being a part of your success. This event not only showcases your hard work and dedication, but it reflects on the values and commitment of Jamalco.”

Jackson further encouraged the recipients to become positive role models within their families and communities, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps, charging them to steer others on a positive trajectory.

editorial@gleanerjm.com