Portland students, retired educators honoured
Published:Saturday | August 27, 2022 | 12:07 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
BUFF BAY, Portland:
Forty-four retired educators, along with 48 students, were recognised and awarded trophies and cash during a special ceremony at Lunch Park in Buff Bay, West Portland on Wednesday.
The event was conceptualised by West Portland Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, in partnership with the Ministry of Education Region 2 and the Social Development Commission (SDC).
The aim was to honour retired teachers for their invaluable contribution to education, and to provide scholarship grants to students at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Education officer for Region 2, Sharon McKenzie, commended Vaz for the gesture in providing grants to the students who, she said, faced serious challenges, as parents often find it difficult to find funds for tuition fees and other school-related expenses.
She spoke further on the importance of students getting a well-rounded education, which she said would go a far way in alleviating dire circumstances which they may face, as well as creating a pathway for economic success.
The students were selected based on their academic performance, and represent the top male and female students from each primary school in West Portland. They will be attending high schools at the start of the 2022-2023 academic school year. A total of 38 students will benefit from a stipend of $5,000 fortnightly for travelling expenses, $10,000 for book vouchers, and tuition assistance.
Rodaine Green of Buff Bay High School in the parish, who found and returned an Android phone to a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in April of this year, even though he was in dire need of one himself, received a special award comprising a stipend of $5,000 fortnightly, a $10,000 book voucher, and tuition assistance.
Additionally, a total of 10 students attending universities will be provided with assistance ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 to assist with boarding and tuition fees.
Vaz said that through his mentorship programme, which was first launched in 2006, assistance will be provided to all the top-performing boys and girls in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams. He said that full tuition payment is provided for the first year in high school, along with book vouchers valued at $15,000.
“Students will be required to maintain a good average, maintain good behaviour and discipline, and also maintain a good attendance record at school,” Vaz outlined.
“This will be reviewed on a term basis, so as to enable for the continuity of such assistance. From the list of persons, students are selected on the basis of those that are most deserving, and only the neediest will be considered for the fortnightly stipend,” he added.