Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams has described the National Rums of Jamaica Foundation (NRJ) as a pivotal example of corporate social responsibility at its launch on March 28.

Williams commended the foundation, emphasising the critical role that such initiatives play in fostering educational opportunities.

“Charity foundations have played significant roles over the years in enabling bright and ambitious students to reach their goals with the financial support provided at critical times in their lives,” stated Williams.

She emphasised that the foundation’s work aligned with the ministry’s educational priorities, particularly its focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and STEM programmes.

“We see TVET as an essential conduit to supplying the job market with highly competent and productive citizens who can help to increase Jamaica’s participation in the modern industrial, and information and communications technology revolution,” she added.

The foundation’s inaugural scholarship, valued at J$500,000, garnered praise from the education minister. The scholarship targets students pursuing or about to pursue undergraduate degrees in agriculture or engineering at select universities.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. also lauded the scholarship programme, emphasising its potential to transform lives and enhance opportunities for individuals.

Director of the NRJ Foundation, Martha Miller, highlighted the charity’s mission to bolster Jamaica’s future through community development, with education as a core focus.

“We firmly believe that by investing in the minds of our youth, [we are] investing in the very future of Jamaica itself,” stated Miller.