The Barita Foundation gifted 33 recipients, at both the tertiary and secondary levels, scholarships and bursaries at its Inaugural Scholarship Programme Awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, (August 10).

The scholarships, handed out on the eve of the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, further the foundation’s abiding commitment to nation-building and equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the tools required to shape the future they deserve.

The premier award, the Rita Humphries-Lewin Scholarship in early childhood education was awarded to four recipients at the tertiary level valued at J$400,000 each, which the foundation says is dedicated to the legacy of the founder of Barita Investments and a stalwart in the financial services industry.

Also, the Cornerstone/Barita Scholarship donated up to J$350,000 each to four awardees at the tertiary level who are pursuing studies in medicine and engineering. Two high-performing team members of Barita Investments Limited additionally received the Barita Foundation Staff Scholarship, valued at J$150,000 each.

According to the foundation, this scholarship was awarded as the latest demonstration of the Barita’s commitment to being a force for good in the lives of key stakeholders and the wider community. 

Secondary level awards included a CSEC and CAPE scholarship, where six students received up to J$100,000 each to cover tuition, books, and exam fees.

“As a further demonstration of our actions towards enhancing the future of various generations, seven students who are about to enter high school and are children of Cornerstone/Barita clients and staff received PEP Scholarships valued at up to J$100,000 each,” the foundation indicated.

Education Minister Fayval Williams, keynote speaker at the event, thanked the Barita Foundation for
playing a leading, exemplary role in the private sector with respect to investing in Jamaica’s youth, staff members, and clients, especially during the challenging financial climate created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister expressed delight at the specific support being offered to students who are pursuing
studies in the early childhood education sector. 

Executive director of the Barita Foundation, Tanketa Chance-Wilson, also addressed the scholarship award ceremony.

“At the Barita Foundation, we are cognizant of our role in supporting the youth of our nation. We laud their commitment to pursuing higher education, and the Barita Foundation is pleased to do our part in
helping to make this path easier for our awardees,” Chance-Wilson commented.

The inaugural scholarship programme is an initiative of the Barita Foundation which is aimed at assisting students to obtain higher education, enhance positive values and to create long-term relationships with talented scholars.

The programme is intended to further intensify Barita’s efforts at building the capacity of the youth
towards igniting positive social and economic change ultimately aimed at improving the quality of life of employees, clients, and the wider society.