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12 students receive ETDDC scholarships
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Good News

12 students receive ETDDC scholarships

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Twelve primary- and high-school students from central Spanish Town received scholarships from the ETDDC’s new Scholarship Pathway Programme.
  • The awards included cash grants of $20,000 or $30,000, along with books, vouchers and school supplies.
  • The committee distributed more than $500,000 and also organized free back-to-school medical examinations for students.

Twelve students from central Spanish Town received scholarships through a new community programme created to ease the cost of returning to school.

The Ellerslie Tawes District Development Committee held the awards ceremony on August 29 at the Youth Innovation Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine. Two students received scholarships worth $30,000 each, while the other 10 received $20,000 apiece. All 12 recipients also received book vouchers, books and other school necessities.

We initially hoped to secure enough sponsorship to assist approximately 10 students. Despite the short notice, 17 sponsors came on board.

— Kaydia ClairThe ETDDC president described how community sponsors expanded the scholarship programme.

The programme invited primary- and high-school students from 18 eligible communities in central Spanish Town, including Tawes Meadows and Ellerslie Gardens. The committee received 12 applications and awarded every applicant a scholarship.

We want our children to know that their community sees them, believes in them, and is willing to invest in their future.

— Kaydia ClairClair explained the programme’s broader educational goal.

ETDDC President Kaydia Clair said the committee had initially hoped to support about 10 students, but 17 sponsors contributed despite the short notice. Their support included cash, books, pencils, bags and vouchers. More than $500,000 in cash and educational assistance was distributed through the initiative.

Clair said the programme aimed to remove financial barriers that can keep children from obtaining the resources they need for school. She said students were also asked to discuss their dreams and future plans, with the committee seeking to show that their community supports their ambitions. Earlier the same day, the ETDDC organized free back-to-school medical examinations with Dr Kaydeen Dietrich and the St Catherine Health Department. The committee also assisted families and individuals facing school expenses, fire losses, disabilities and medical needs.

We would like to extend special thanks to Dr Kaydeen Dietrich and the St Catherine Health Department for coming out and providing free back-to-school medicals to students.

— Kaydia ClairClair thanked the health workers who supported the accompanying medical initiative.
About this summary

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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