SAJ awards scholarships an investment in education THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica (SAJ) recently renewed 40 highschool scholarships and awarded three new beneficiaries under its scholarship assistance programme, which supports the education of employees' children at the secondary and tertiary levels. The scholarships were presented during a ceremony at the SAJ Newport West complex in Kingston. The scholarships are valued for five years and are renewed annually providing students meet specified criteria. "We see this as an investment in education and the country's future," said SAJ's General Manager, Pauline Gray, "as through this scholarship presentation, we have all become partners in education". Mrs. Gray was addressing scholarship-recipients and their parents. Observing that it is not easy for students to obtain scholarships, Mrs. Gray said the beneficiaries were fortunate to receive the assistance under the programme, which demonstrated the SAJ's commitment to education and helping to secure the future of the nation's young. Mrs. Gray said the contribution was also an attempt to counter the negative message being portrayed in the media, of "a dim future" for young people and a way for the SAJ to contribute to the community. The General Manager commended the beneficiaries and encouraged them to work hard during their years at high school. "You have a serious responsibility to yourselves, your parents and the Association to do your best," she told them. Mrs. Gray also implored the parents to put out their best effort to ensure that their children receive a proper education, which must not only be provided in classroom, but also at the home. Giving an overview of the programme, SAJ Finance and Administration Manager, Belva Barned said the scholarships would only continue if students successfully completed each year at school and were promoted to a higher grade or form. Students are also required to maintain good academic average. Mrs. Barned said an extension of the scholarships may be granted for a further two years after candidates have successfully completed the Caribbean Examination Council Examinations (CXC)/Ordinary Level examinations and are promoted to the sixth form. She stressed, however, that this is not an automatic process. Sharing words of advice with the group, Mrs. Barned emphasised that parents must support their children in school to ensure that they performed at the highest level. First-time scholarship recipient, Ana Maria Dawkins, who secured a place at the Immaculate Conception High School through the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) said she was pleased to receive assistance from the Association. "I think it's a blessing. I thank them (the Association) very much for giving me the scholarship. More employers must do this for workers, to give other people a chance," the 11-year old student observed, noting that she is please that she has also made her parents proud. Her mother, Pauline Dawkins also expressed gratitude, noting that the Association's assistance had helped to ease the financial burden of many parents.
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