Edwin Coleman
THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL Achievement Awards (GGAA) attempts to identify 14 persons, one from each parish, who have from modest social and economic circumstances, been able to uplift themselves, and shown marked social and economic improvement in their lifetimes.
The function for the GGAA will be hosted by the parish of Clarendon and held at St. Gabriel's Anglican Church, May Pen today beginning at 2.00 p.m.
Educator Edwin Coleman, the recipient for the parish of St. Mary, knows the meaning of the words 'struggle' and 'sacrifice'.
Coleman grew up in modest circumstances. His early schooling began at Simon Primary where he obtained a Government scholarship to attend Clarendon College. With assistance from Poor Relief, donors and the school's bursar, Edwin graduated from Clarendon College with honours and furthered his education at Church Teachers' College where he became a certified Mathematics Teacher. After graduating from Teachers' College he went to the University of the West Indies where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounts and Management.
Over the years, he has made tremendous sacrifices assisting the residents of his community. Edwin Coleman has taught at three high schools: Priory, Happy Groove, and St. Mary High.
INCOME GENERATING PROJECTS
For 10 years he served as director for the Swift Parcell Boys' Home, United Nations volunteer as a Poverty Alleviation Officer for St. Mary and coordinator for the H.E.A.R.T. Training project in Richmond, St. Mary. He is also an active member of the Lyndale Girls Home and is the initiator of two income generating projects - Highgate Dolls and Craft Cooperative.
At present, Edwin is working with the National Drug Abuse Council as a volunteer, assisting with the development of income generating projects for the youths at risk of substance abuse. He is also coordinating a house building project which is targeted at low income earners. He is a proud father of three children.
