The Agape Fund (TAF) has taken up a Love Mission.

Founded by Tamalcia J, TAF provides university and college students with per semester supplementary funds.

“While I was a student at university, I witnessed the challenges many students endured to achieve an academic dream. Tuitions may have been paid, but there was still the struggle to find food, money for transportation or even rent/boarding. The mission of TAF is to ease the financial burdens of some, who might in the future stretch their hands to help others,” Tamalcia explained.

Her Love Mission has already started as, for semester one of the 2024-25 academic year, she managed to self-fund the almost $220,000 distributed to six students who received grants to aid with travel, lunch, rent and equipment such as headsets from TAF and a laptop from partners Youth for Christ Jamaica (JYFC).

The students—three at University of Technology, Jamaica; and one each from University of the West Indies; Monroe University (formerly Monroe College); and The Mico University College— are pursuing degrees ranging from Caribbean Sign Language Interpreting, Computing, Nursing, Education, to Criminal Justice.

However, she hopes to achieve more with help from the public.

“The need is great. TAF considered approximately 23 applications during the weeks we had the call. I am happy that I was able to assist the six students, but with the new semester starting in January, I am hopeful that TAF can engage some additional funds during this season of giving,” Tamalcia said.

She explained that the givers have the option to add TAF to their monthly budgets for a period or give a one-time love donation.

“During the selection process, the one thing heard consistently from the students was, ‘any help would be appreciated’. A Love Contribution, no matter how small it may seem, can be shaped into a huge gift. TAF is built on the lesson in Philippians 2:4: ‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others’. Every dollar counts,” the charity’s founder said.

Givers are being asked to contact the charity via its Instagram page @TheAgapeFund or email [email protected] to access more information on how to donate to the Love Mission.