By Tómori Tomlinson
The ‘I Believe’ Initiative, in partnership with the First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (FRCCU), provided twenty-seven (27) students at the Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC) with financial assistance on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, during a handover ceremony at Seville Great House. The scholarships totaling $493,920.00 will allow the students to complete their course of study obtaining a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s Degree. Many of these students are preparing to leave the Nursing programme with a Bachelor of Science to join the health care workers who are needed to contribute to enhancing the health and wellness of the Jamaican population, especially during this pandemic.
The IBI provides scholarships to students pursuing tertiary education who demonstrate academic excellence coupled with financial need. Since 2013, the IBI has provided 100 students with over 61 million dollars in scholarships and bursaries. National Coordinator, Mr. Abrahim Simmonds, declared that for the first time, a single sponsor is committing to more than four students at a time. This is a significant mark for the IBI as it celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. Mr. Simmonds underscored that “Education is one of the pillars of the IBI, where we work with various partners to mobilise resources that bridge access to quality education for our nation’s citizens.
Chief Executive Officer of First Regional Cooperative Credit Union, Mr. Adford Billings expressed that the awards were a reflection of the company’s slogan “interest on your money and interest in you.” Mr. Billings affirmed that the interest in the students extends beyond the scholarships while encouraging them to be inspired and be an inspiration. He further charged them to contribute to the development of their communities as the ‘I Believe’ Initiative fosters. Similarly, The Honourable Custos Rotulorum for the parish of St. Ann, Norma Walters, at the ceremony, delivered remarks and vote of thanks on behalf of His Excellency The Governor-General and patron for the GGPE, Sir Patrick Allen. She highlighted that, in accordance with The Initiative, the donation by FRCCUL for the advancement of youth education is using “what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica.”
The students and staff at the Brown’s Town Community College were particularly grateful for the award. Principal of BTCC, Ms. Claudeth Haughton highlighted the significance of the awards in these unprecedented times. Many of these students are preparing to leave the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme to join the health care workers who are needed to contribute to enhancing the health and wellness of the Jamaican population, especially during this pandemic. Ms. Haughton emphasized that many parents have lost their primary sources of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also provided assurance that the recipients were deserving of the scholarships with more than half the college’s population obtaining Grade Point Averages above 3.6. In light of this, Ms. Haughton encouraged students to maintain the standard and be “pioneers of resilience.”
