Hanover Charities dishes out another J$23m in scholarship funds

Western Bureau:

For the second time this year, Hanover Charities, which has been providing students from the western parish with scholarship and educational grants worth millions of dollars over several years, has come good for yet another group of students,

This time around, the 154 recipients, all first-time beneficiaries, will collectively share approximately J$23 million. Earlier this year, 316 returning beneficiaries were recipients of J$28.6 million in scholarships and educational grants, which were primarily to pursue tertiary education.

At the most recent event, which was held at the Hopewell Sports and Community Centre, Katrin Casserly, chairman of the Hanover Charities organisation, described the donations as an “investment programme” geared at helping the recipients to realise their fullest potentials.

“We see this programme as an investment in the future of this region, Hanover, but beyond the numbers are the lives transformed,” she said. “Behind every scholarship award is a story, a young man or woman who chose to rise above limitations, who dared to dream bigger.

“These stories remind us that education does not belong to one age group or one stage of life but for every individual who wishes to elevate themselves no matter where they are starting from,” she added.

WILLING TO HELP

Katrin further noted that her organisation is willing to help whether one is moving directly into high school or moving from high school into university and even persons who are seeking to resume their education after taking a break.

“We do not discriminate by age, gender, or circumstance. We are only interested in your commitment to your future,” she said, saying that the organisation stood ready to walk alongside all beneficiaries through their years of study. “Our aim is not just to see you enrol. It is to see you graduate.”

Dr Michele Pinnock, regional director at the Ministry of Education and Youth Region 4, in her presentation, praised the Hanover Charities and its leadership for the years of unwavering commitment to education and youth development.

“Your continued investment in our young people opens doors, transforms lives, and builds a stronger future for not only the parish of Hanover but western Jamaica,” said Pinnock. “Your generosity and vision have made many dreams come true, and we at the Ministry of Education say a big thank you.”

In addressing the beneficiaries, Pinnock encouraged them to continue to set standards of excellence so that they would be viewed as good role models in their communities.

“I encourage you to be role models for our infant, primary, and high school students. Use your gifts, time, and voices to help strengthen literacy and numeracy whether by tutoring, reading with a child, or sharing your story to inspire others to stay the course,” she said.

Pinnock also pleaded with the beneficiaries to be the beacon of hope that strives to inspire others to see the possibilities in impossibilities and to let their journeys remind every young student in Hanover that greatness begins with small acts of service.

editorial@gleanerjm.com