Trelawny Credit Union awards bursaries to deserving students

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

The Trelawny Cooperative Credit Union (TCCU) continued its support of education in the parish after it granted bursaries totalling $490,000 to students at a presentation ceremony at the Falmouth United Church last Thursday.

Three of the recipients, who are enrolled in tertiary institutions, received $30,000 each, while the remaining 30, who are secondary-school students, were given $10,000 each.

In his address, General Manager of the TCCU Winston Tomlinson said the cycle of students being unable to maximise their potential should come to an end.

"The development of relationships too early is one of the contributing factors to non-achievement, therefore, this has to stop. Wait until you get your education before you embark on anything that can stop this," he urged.

He challenged the parents to avoid the 'bling' mentality where the latest fashion or hairstyle takes precedence over their children's welfare.

"From one starts having children, your life has changed. It is not you alone, and their welfare must be equal to yours or even better," he said.

The students were selected for the bursaries based on their academic progress, their financial needs, and whether they or their parents were members of the credit union. Previously, the bursaries were confined to students attending high school in the parish, but this has since been extended as many needy students who fit the criteria may be attending institutions outside of the parish.

In the past, 14 students, two from each of the high schools in the parish, were given $15,000 each while one tertiary student was granted $150,000.