Youngsters of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc. continues to offer essential help to wards of the State, as they make their transition to independence.
This 12 months, the nonprofit organisation has awarded a complete of US$60,000 in scholarships to those college students, who’re presently enrolled in tertiary establishments throughout the island.
The scholarship luncheon was held on Wednesday (Could 21) at The Jamaica Pegasus resort in New Kingston.
Among the many establishments the scholars are attending are the College of the West Indies (UWI), College of Expertise Jamaica (UTech), Northern Caribbean College (NCU), The Mico College School, Edna Manly College of the Performing Arts, Caribbean Maritime College (Montego Bay) and G.C. Foster School.
COJO Inc. has a long-standing partnership with the Youngster Safety and Household Providers Company (CPFSA), because it seeks to offer scholarships and different help to wards of the State to empower them to create a profitable future.
In her tackle on the ceremony, Chief Govt Officer (CEO) of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas counseled COJO for “standing within the hole for youth who’re transitioning out of State care and thriving in the direction of educational success”.
“You proceed to be a lifeline for younger individuals who want your help. Your dedication has not solely opened doorways to training however unlocked goals, empowered futures and lit pathways for our youth who deserve each alternative to thrive,” she mentioned.
COJO Founder, Gary Williams, mentioned the entity seeks to behave as an engine for group improvement and was established on the precept of making alternatives by means of wide-ranging social improvement programmes.
“We’re giving to youngsters who’re in want. You’ll be able to’t beat that. The Bible tells us that. While you give to those youngsters you might be investing sooner or later, and I feel training is essential… the kids are the long run and I feel that we should always assist [those that need it most],” he informed JIS Information.
Mr. Williams urged extra company entities to become involved within the outreach effort.
Third-year scholar at NCU, Brianna Johnson, who’s pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Particular Schooling, informed JIS Information she is aware of from private expertise the affect {that a} form gesture can have on a life and expressed her gratitude to COJO for the help she is receiving by means of its scholarship programme.
“I’ve been in State care since I used to be two years previous and this implies a lot to me. I need to say due to the CPFSA [and many others]. They’ve been my supply of energy and after I look again now and consider all of the occasions I needed to surrender on myself, I need to give due to them and to God as nicely,” she mentioned.
For his half, Fourth-year scholar at Shortwood Academics’ School, Christopher Dawes, who’s pursuing a Bachelor of Schooling in Human Ecology, mentioned the scholarship will fund his last 12 months in school.
“This is essential as a result of I’ll use it as a motivation to the opposite boys which are on the Mt. Olivet Boys’ Residence. Though I spent a short while there, they’ll say that Christopher was right here; he did this and so can I,” he mentioned.
COJO’s mission is to assist enhance the well being, training and common well-being of under-served youngsters in Jamaica in addition to the US.
For greater than three a long time, COJO has supplied scholarships and demanding help to youngsters in want.
To make a donation or get involved with the organisation, individuals can go to www.cojokids.org.
