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WATA's Hydrate to Educate initiative opens nominations for 2026, investing $12M+ in Jamaican education
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WATA's Hydrate to Educate initiative opens nominations for 2026, investing $12M+ in Jamaican education

From Jamaica Observer · (12m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • WATA's Hydrate to Educate initiative is now accepting nominations for its 2026 program, aiming to invest over $12 million in Jamaican education.
  • The program will provide financial aid to 30 secondary students and grants to 14 schools, including those impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
  • Nominations close on June 30, 2026, with a focus on supporting students and school development across Jamaica.

Wisynco Group's WATA is once again opening nominations for its impactful Hydrate to Educate initiative, a program deeply rooted in the belief that educational opportunities should be accessible to all young Jamaicans. For 2026, the initiative is set to channel over $12 million into vital educational support and school development across the island, demonstrating a significant commitment to the nation's future.

Brittany Thwaites, brand manager for the WATA portfolio, highlighted the program's dual focus: direct financial assistance to students and crucial grants for school development projects. "Each year, we see how much this assistance means to students, families and schools, and we are proud to continue expanding the programme in a way that reaches more communities across Jamaica," Thwaites stated. This year, 30 secondary students will each receive $200,000 to cover essential school-related expenses, while 14 schools will benefit from grants aimed at enhancing their learning environments.

Hydrate to Educate is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their education with the support they need. Each year, we see how much this assistance means to students, families and schools, and we are proud to continue expanding the programme in a way that reaches more communities across Jamaica.

โ€” Brittany ThwaitesBrand manager of the WATA portfolio at Wisynco Group, explaining the initiative's core philosophy.

Significantly, the 2026 program extends its support to schools in western Jamaica that are still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. "Education is one of the strongest foundations for recovery and progress, and through this initiative, WATA is helping to create more supportive spaces for students to learn, grow and move forward," Thwaites added. This targeted support underscores WATA's dedication not only to general educational advancement but also to aiding community resilience in the face of natural disasters. Nominations are open until June 30, 2026, inviting parents, teachers, and community members to identify students and schools most in need.

For 2026, we also wanted to ensure that support is extended to schools in western parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Education is one of the strongest foundations for recovery and progress, and through this initiative, WATA is helping to create more supportive spaces for students to learn, grow and move forward.

โ€” Brittany ThwaitesBrand manager of the WATA portfolio at Wisynco Group, highlighting the program's support for schools affected by Hurricane Melissa.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.