Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, is commending the public-private partnerships that support initiatives such as the Burger King Scholarship Programme.
The programme’s annual awards ceremony was held recently at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, under the theme ‘Blazing to Success’.
The initiative, which supports Jamaican youth in their pursuit of higher education, celebrated the achievements of 42 recipients who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication.
“This scholarship is not just a financial reward to 42 recipients. It is a symbol of the faith that others have in your abilities, and the belief that you have the power to shape your own future,” Minister Williams said.
She noted that the event also highlights a vital aspect of success, pointing to the significance of public-private partnerships.
“These collaborations, like the one we see here with Burger King and Restaurants Associates Limited and the Ministry of Education and Youth, are instrumental in addressing some of our most pressing challenges,” Mrs. Williams pointed out.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of continued support for the education sector, adding, “I know that despite the significant budget to the education sector, which is almost 20 per cent of our non-debt budget, that the sector still needs more”.
Meanwhile, Head of Sales and Marketing at Restaurants Associates Limited, Nadia Kiffin Green, highlighted the scholarship programme’s impact.
“These contributions will help our students to focus, to grow, and to learn as they advance through our school system. Since 2001, the programme has impacted over 340 Jamaican youth, and with each year that passes, we continue to improve upon the offering,” she pointed out.
One of the top scholars, who was awarded the Governor-General’s Achievement Award, Monique Fenton, told JIS News, “I am just fortunate to have been given this [scholarship] opportunity”.
“As a future [medical] student, it is quite expensive. But to just be able to have such support, and for people to believe in me, it really gives me motivation to thrive and to continue this path of success. I’m just so thankful and grateful and, honestly, it’s God that gave me this opportunity. So I will do the best of my ability to ensure that I succeed well in life,” she said
The young scholar encourages more Jamaicans to apply for financial grants and bursaries, noting that the application process is hassle-free.
“The application process was actually quite easy, the online platform was easy to submit information, and everything was straightforward; so, I was not lost, thankfully, along the way,” Ms. Fenton indicated.