Millions secured for MoBay East Rotary scholarships

The Rotary Club of Montego Bay East has secured just under $4.4 million from the Montego Bay business community to fund its scholarships for exceptional tertiary and high school students from St James faced with financial challenges.

Winsome Stewart, president of the club, made the announcement during the recent launch of the 16th renewal of Bikeathon Jamaica Challenge 2011 at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. Bikeathon Jamaica Challenge, slated for May 15, is the 'signature' fund-raising effort of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East, with proceeds from the event going towards funding the scholarships.

grateful for sponsorship

Stewart said she was pleased with the reaction of corporate entities in Montego Bay to the club's requests for sponsorship of the bikeathon, with some companies donating directly to funding a number of scholarships over the next three years.

"Among those offering three-year scholarships are Rainforest Seafoods, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Fred Smith of Exclusive Tours, Chukka Caribbean Adventures and attorney-at-law George Thomas," she said during the launch.

The foresight of the scholarship benefactors was also lauded by Jamaica Teachers' Association President Nadine Molloy Young, who declared them valuable partners in education.

importance of volunteerism

"In your altruistic contribution to Jamaica, I would like to support the idea of the importance of volunteerism in building Jamaica's capital," Molloy Young said, while noting that were it not for the thousands of persons locally and internationally who volunteer in so many ways, education outcomes in Jamaica would be far worse than what now obtains.

The JTA head said educational volunteerism ranges from teachers going above and beyond the call of duty, both inside and outside the classroom, to the various partners who bring much-needed resources that add significant value above that which any government is willing to contribute to education.

Bikeathon Jamaica Challenge 2011 will see professional and amateur cyclists competing for awards and prizes on a 74-kilometre course starting at Whitter Village Centre in Montego Bay. The event will also include a 5K walk and run and a kids' bike race.