CAPITAL & CREDIT FINANCIAL GROUP AWARDS $2.3 M IN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Capital & Credit Financial Group (CCFG) has awarded 38 scholarships for the new school year, valued at just over $2.3 million to students at the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels across the island. The Scholarships were presented at the organisation’s official Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston.

This marks the 13th year since Capital & Credit began its Scholarship Programme and the scholarships granted for 2009/2010 will allow students to pursue studies locally at the University of the West Indies; the Mico University College and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education; The University of Technology, various Community and Teachers’ Colleges, as well as to a number high schools and one primary school.

Speaking to this year’s recipients, special 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 C.D., himself a former Teacher, reiterated that the organisation has 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 & Credit is profoundly intent on assisting in the shaping of a positive attitude and future for Jamaica’s young people”, stated Mr. Campbell.

Also addressing the gathering was CCFG Scholarship alumnus, Tanto Campbell, who gave a testimonial on the positive effect made to his life and circumstances as a result of pursuing further education with the help of a scholarship awarded in 2005. Mr. Campbell, a resident of the Sir John Golding Rehab Centre, was able to achieve several CSEC subjects as a result of his CCFG Scholarship and is a Gold and Bronze world record-breaking athlete who represented Jamaica at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games.

Established in 1996, the CCFG Scholarship Programme selects awardees in collaboration with organisations such as the Jamaica 4H-Clubs, the Jamaica Cricket Association, the 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, ten are for new students entering the Capital & Credit 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 Capital & Credit G-SAT Scholarship Programme, 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 Capital & Credit Scholarships will facilitate ten students to pursue 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 Kingston and the Jamaica Paralympic Association Basketball Team.

Since its inception, approximately 100 students have benefited from Capital & Credit’s Scholarship Programme.