SOME THIRTY-eight students, including two with special needs, have received scholarships totalling over $2 million from the Capital and Credit Financial Group (CCFG). The scholarships were presented at the organisation's official awards ceremony held recently at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew.

This marks the 13th year since Capital and Credit began its scholarship programme, The scholarships granted for 2009-2010 will allow students to pursue studies locally at the University of the West Indies, the Mico University College, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, the University of Technology, various community and teachers' colleges, as well as a number of high schools and one primary school.

Speaking to this year's recipients, guest speaker Dr Walton Small, principal of Wolmer's Boys and president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Association (ISSA), encouraged the students to stay focused and challenged them to go about their student and adult lives employing the key values of integrity, honesty and kindness. He also charged parents and guardians in attendance to establish and maintain strong and positive relationships with their children and become their friend.

CCFG's Chairman, Ryland T. Campbell, himself a former teacher, stated that the organisation had always been committed to education and nation-building. This explained the group's swift move to establish a scholarship programme just two years after opening its doors for business in 1994. "Being regarded as a good corporate citizen is one thing, but Capital and Credit is profoundly intent on assisting in the shaping of a positive attitude and future for Jamaica's young people," stated Campbell. Also addressing the gathering was CCFG scholarship alumnus, Tanto Campbell, who gave a testimonial about the positive effect on his life and circumstances as a result of pursuing further education with the help of a scholarship awarded in 2005. Campbell, a resident of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, was able to achieve several Caribbean Secondary School Certificate subjects as a result of his CCFG scholarship. He is also a gold and bronze world record-breaking athlete who represented Jamaica at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games.

selection

Established in 1996, the CCFG scholarship programme selects awardees in collaboration with organisations, such as the Jamaica 4H-Clubs, the Jamaica Cricket Association, Hope United Church and the St Andrew Settlement Programme for the Children of Majesty Gardens, the S.O.S Children's Village in Montego Bay and the Jamaica Paralympic Association, among many others.

Of the 38 scholarships granted for the new academic year, 10 are for new students entering the scholarship programme, while the remaining are continuing students.

Some 27 of this year's recipients are secondary-level students who will continue to benefit from a five-year grant, which covers the cost of school-related expenses in a number of high schools. Additionally, one student at the primary level is receiving assistance based on particularly challenging circumstances and needs.

At the tertiary level, the scholarships will facilitate 10 students in pursuing diploma and degree courses at local tertiary institutions.

Among this year's scholarship recipients is Jeneard Williamson, who is a member of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre in St Andrew and the Jamaica Paralympic Association Basketball Team.

Since its inception, approximately 100 students have benefited from the programme.