Jamalco Renews Commitment to Education at 2025 Scholarship Awards Event

Halse Hall, Clarendon – Several students across Clarendon and Manchester are poised to benefit from Jamalco’s education assistance programme, which will provide over $25 million in support during the upcoming academic year. The initiative, which spans all levels of the education system, was officially announced during the company’s recent annual scholarship awards presentation held at the Wembley Centre of Excellence.

Guest Speaker and President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Dr. Mark Smith, delivered an inspiring address to the awardees. He urged them to maintain a positive outlook, acknowledging that challenges are inevitable, but emphasizing that their mindset and approach would determine the outcome. Dr. Smith praised Jamalco for its longstanding commitment to education and the empowerment of young people. “Education transforms lives,” he said, “and regardless of the degree you pursue, the journey builds character. Keep pushing forward, doors may close, but keep knocking.”

Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern, Pearnel Charles Jr., also addressed the gathering, congratulating the scholarship recipients on their achievements. He encouraged them to continue pursuing their goals with determination and resilience.

Jamalco’s Managing Director, Marvin Jackson, reinforced the company’s dedication to youth development through education. He highlighted that the support provided by Jamalco represents an investment not only in the students’ futures but also in Jamaica’s national development. “In just the past five years, Jamalco has contributed approximately J$100 million to educational initiatives,” Mr. Jackson shared. “From early childhood to tertiary education, we are committed to creating opportunities and fostering growth. Today, we unlock potential and build future leaders because we believe in the power of collective progress.”

Also speaking at the event was Vice President of Operations – Americas at Century Aluminum, Levi Chaffin, which owns a 55% share in Jamalco. Mr. Chaffin reiterated Century’s dedication to advancing education in Jamaica, announcing the continuation of the Century Aluminum High Achievers Award for the third consecutive year. “Our shared investment in community development and educational excellence is at the heart of our partnership with Jamalco,” he noted.

Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Jamalco, Donna Marie Brooks, congratulated the awardees and emphasized the transformative power of education. “This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking Potential – Building Future Leaders,’ reflects our ongoing mission to inspire, empower, and equip young people in Clarendon and Manchester with the tools to succeed,” she said.

Ms. Brooks detailed that six Jamalco mentees will each receive scholarships valued at $1.5 million. In addition, twelve special grants totaling $2.52 million and 53 tertiary-level scholarships amounting to $10.6 million will be awarded. These 70 awards represent a combined value of J$14.62 million. Furthermore, 10 PEP students will each receive $40,000 bursaries, and approximately 350 students from the company’s operating communities will receive book grants totaling $3 million.

During the event, Jamelia McPherson, a new University of Technology student and scholarship recipient, shared a heartfelt testimonial. After losing her mother to cancer, she committed herself to becoming a nurse to care for others facing similar struggles. “This support from Jamalco has strengthened my resolve to make the most of my education,” she said. “Thank you, Jamalco, for seeing me and supporting my aspirations.”

Since its inception in 2008, Jamalco’s education assistance programme has provided consistent support to students throughout their academic journey. Recipients continue to benefit through to the end of their tertiary education, provided they maintain the programme’s performance criteria.