Sandals Foundation gives $2m sponsorship to high-school students

Dalton Laing, Gleaner Writer

NEGRIL, Westmoreland:

Sandals Foundation has handed out over $2 million in sponsorship to 24 students from several high schools across Jamaica under the Care For Kids Scholarship Programme.

"This is not just about handing out money but also mentoring the recipients and creating in them a giveback element. For the first time, we have included a community aspect in which each recipient will offer 10 hours of community outreach to create a difference each term," said Heidi Clarke, director of programmes for Sandals Foundation.

Clarke says the scholarship programme, which is in its third year, was extended for the first time to include the other islands where Sandals and Beaches Resorts operate.

Wayne Cummings, director of business processes and administration at Sandals Resorts International, urged the recipients to use this opportunity to demonstrate that dreams can come true.

Guest speaker Shekera Ellison, a payroll Clerk at Sandals Negril, encouraged the recipients to maximise the chance to uplift themselves.

"Do not allow yourselves to be distracted by negative peer pressure, and do not settle for less than the best. Remember as well, that it is not always about just studying, even though that is important as well, but to get involved in other activities, such as community outreach."

Financial aid

Care-for-kids programme, a promise to education by Sandals Foundation, began in 1988 when Sandals Resorts International extended itself to provide financial assistance to students through annual scholarships. At the end of 2008, there were 290 beneficiaries of this programme receiving financial aid for education valued at $5.5 million.

The award per candidate is approximately J$35,000 or US$400. This will specifically be allocated and disbursed to cover the cost of tuition, uniforms and books.

The scholarship is a five-year programme that runs the course of the secondary-school years. Successful completion of the five years and acceptance into the advanced level programme will merit consideration for further assistance.