Representatives from The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation with the scholarship recipients.
ON OCTOBER 25, 2019, The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation (SJF) handed over more than J$3.3 million to 49 students from seven tertiary institutions, to offset their educational expenses. This is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to encourage the advancement of Jamaicans through education and, specifically, Spanish language acquisition, given the extensive benefits that may be derived from such a skill.
At the scholarship handover, students of Montego Bay and Brown’s Town community colleges were given partial scholarships to assist with the payment of their school fees, while students of the HEART College of Hospitality Services were provided with funds to purchase tools and equipment necessary for their courses of study.
Spanish students from The University of the West Indies, and pre-service Spanish teachers from Shortwood, Church and Sam Sharpe Teachers’ colleges received bursaries towards the payment of their tuition expenses.
Recipients were selected through an interview process, and the awardees have expressed their profound gratitude for the SJF’s contribution to their education. Despite the numerous challenges faced, all students have managed to remain focused on their career goals and to maintain excellent GPAs. They are also actively involved in school and community-based service organisations.
In the coming weeks, the foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and Missions of Spanish-speaking Countries, will be hosting the National Spanish Carol Service in Kingston. This initiative was conceptualised by Spanish teacher Emma-June Bell and is in its 12th year.
The Spanish-Jamaican Foundation, whose motto is ‘Cuidar, Apoyar, Educar’ (‘Caring, Supporting, Educating’), was founded in 2006 by Spanish investors in the island and fosters partnerships between Spain and Jamaica through educational, cultural, environmental and community development initiatives.
For further information, please contact SJF Project Manager Vanessa Meggoe at 876 764 0068 or projectmanager.spjf@gmail.com.
