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Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited Group (MMS) hosted its annual Back-to-School Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 13, celebrating ‘Manpower Parents’ and their children as they matriculate to high school.

Held in the auditorium of the Manpower Centre, this year’s ceremony honoured 31 exceptional students who are children of MMS employees. These students were recently placed in high schools following the 2024 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Through the awards, MMS aims to provide vital back-to-school assistance, helping the young scholars transition into high school.

Keynote addresses came from MMS Chairman Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, managing director of Smart Mobile Solutions Dane Spencer, and managing director of MMS Don Gittens who delivered speeches highlighting the importance of education and corporate responsibility.

Chairman Hinchcliffe noted that she hoped the children in attendance understood the vision she had for their future.

“Without you the parent, there would be no Manpower,” she said.

“You too must own this company—none of you will be coming here to work as janitors, groundsmen or the works like your parents… as respectable as those positions are, you are going to step it up to another level.”

She spoke in the capacity of the chairman for M’Power Women’s Groups, stating that the organisation exists to ensure the women of Manpower will be “Looked after”.

Adding to Hinchcliffe’s sentiments, Gittens noted that he was proud to be at an institution that gives back, stating that it is important to play their role, especially to their employees.

“By ensuring I can get the employees right, it is going to filter out to their immediate families. “ said Gittens, “We ensure that we take care of our employees. The fact that we have been able to do this for twenty-five years is no easy feat.”

Gittens also took the time out to thank his sponsor partners Smart Mobile Solutions, Lasco, Kremi, E-Jam, Guardian Group, M’Power, Manpower and Maintainance Services Foundation (MMSF), Flow, and First Credit Union (FCU).

“They have made today even more special… everyone will be receiving a tablet to return to school…something tangible,” said Gittens.

SMS’s Spencer gave a moving speech of his gave an anecdote of his journey that he hopes will mould the students into “great leaders”.

“Education is the key and core to what we are all trying to accomplish,” he said. “The first thing that people fail to recognise is that failure is a teacher… failing in my first semester of high school was my first lesson to buckle down.”

“Sticking to it, keep pushing….it is important to do so, it is actually what pushed me and helped me to move forward in life in general,” he added. “Also pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is a big part of growth… embrace the challenges and don’t give up…don’t ever stop trying.”

Spencer’s contribution exemplified the support of MMS’s corporate sponsors who pooled resources to provide crucial supplies and aid to these deserving students.

Matthew-John Duncan, currently attending Jamaica College and the son of Michael Duncan, senior director of operations at MMS, along with Armani Stewart, a freshman at St Andrew High School for Girls and the daughter of MMS’ legal counsel Shamelia Young have emerged as the top achievers among the students.

Reflecting on the awards ceremony, Michael Duncan expressed his admiration for the initiative, stating:

“Having been with Manpower for five years, I was truly impressed to learn about the company’s program that recognizes the children of employees who excel in the PEP examinations. I am thrilled that my son is not only a recipient but also a top achiever. His mother’s contribution to his success has been significant. I also want to commend Manpower for this wonderful initiative; it is deeply appreciated by both the children and their parents.”

Duncan’s son is excited and proud to be attending his father’s Alma Mater.

This event not only celebrated the achievements of the students but also highlighted the collective effort of MMS and its partners to invest in the future of Jamaica’s youth.

The awards ceremony according to MMS was an occasion for the community to come together in support of education and to recognize the hard work and dedication of both students and their families.

Some highlights from the event: