Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

Two hundred students, considered to be at risk of becoming high school dropouts, have been each granted $30,000 towards covering back-to-school expenses.

They were presented with cheques at the fourth Youth-At-Risk awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel Tuesday. The programme is the brainchild of gaming company Supreme Ventures Ltd., and the Ministry of National Security.

During his address, Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, said his ministry's involvement originates from his belief that "education will strike a decisive blow against anti-social behaviour and crime."

Supreme Ventures makes annual presentations to students who are from poor families. Youth-At-Risk is a scholarship programme opened to applicants. Applications are made to the ministry's head office at the National Commercial Bank headquarters in New Kingston.

Full potential

Dave D'Oyen, a student of Campion College, told The Gleaner that the programme has given him a chance to achieve his full potential. He said the belief that every Campion student is from a rich family is false.

"My father is deceased and my mother earns $3,500 weekly," he said. "Therefore, it was a major challenge for her to buy textbooks, uniforms and to pay the $21,000 school fee. He said the Youth-At-Risk programme has relieved a significant part of the burden."

Addressing the huge turnout of students, Supreme Ventures Deputy Chairman, Ian Levy, said youth development is key to helping young people empower themselves.

"With education you can rise above any circumstance and become worthwhile citizens who contribute economically and morally to your country," he further encouraged.

Additionally, over the next three years, Supreme Ventures will provide $13.5 million to cover tuition fees, textbooks and uniforms as part of the scholarship programme.