JPS credit union powers studies of 12 students

STATE minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Rhoda Moy Crawford on Tuesday welcomed scholarship donations totalling $2 million dollars to 12 students across the island. Awarded through the JPS and Partners Co-operative Credit Union, the scholarships provided financial support to 10 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) achievers and two students matriculating to university. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following the awards ceremony held at Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston, Crawford lauded the credit union for its commitment to the education sector.

It has increased the value of its PEP school bursary from $62,500 to $100,000 per recipient, payable over a period of five years, provided that the student maintains at least a B average. “It’s back-to-school period and we know the challenges, especially coming out of Hurricane Melissa. The Government is doing plenty through our Members of Parliament, through our very own Ministry of Education, but enough is never enough and education relies and depends on sponsorship and partnership support from private sector organisations and NGOs,” Crawford said, adding that a number of private sector organisations have been helping the education sector.

“Usually it’s not very often that you see credit unions giving back in the way they are doing today. I think it is a good thing and I want to commend those entities for taking their corporate responsibilities so seriously. I think one of the greatest investments anyone can make is an investment in education and so I want to invite other corporate companies to help in whatever way,” Crawford added.

The credit union’s treasurer, Winston Delahaye, said the allocation was increased for the union’s 70th anniversary. “We recognise that the cost of school-related expenses continue to rise, and it is fitting that in this milestone year our support rises to meet that reality. This is our way of ensuring that the award remains not just symbolic but genuinely meaningful to the families who receive it,” he told guests during his address.

Treasurer of JPS & Partners Co-Operative Credit Union Limited Winston Delahaye (right) presenting a Founders’ Scholarship award to Brittany Bryan. (Photo: Garfield Robinson) Delahaye maintained that the donations should not be viewed as charity but as an investment in recipients’ future. “These awards are not a one-time gesture; …