Nine students in the Scotia Jamaica Foundation Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exam Prep Programme were recognized for their outstanding performances in the initiative held over a three-month period that ended in December 2021. 

These students were among a group of 1,000 students who participated in the online “extra lessons” programme implemented by the foundation in partnership with One-on-One Educational Services Limited, the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and the Ministry of Education. 

For their outstanding efforts, the students received laptop computers and tablets to assist them in their online classes.

Some of the students also received subscriptions to the One-on-One Educational Services platform to continue accessing classes for the 2022 school term. 

Nathan Morrison, fifth form student at the Papine High School, who received the top prize for English Language, expressed appreciation for the programme and says he feels grateful to be rewarded for his efforts.  

“I am very thankful that I was selected for the programme, and I have seen improvements already in my subject areas. It was very helpful and convenient. I could access the platform if I missed a class and I could still get the work done,” he said.

Morrison shared that he followed the timetable, reviewed the classes, and practised, to ensure he grasped the information that was taught. He was rewarded with a laptop for his progress and achievements during the programme – a very timely gift that he was very excited to receive.

“I used a phone to access my classes, and the audio was so bad, that when I tried to participate in class I had to write in the text. I am so grateful for this computer and it will go a far way in helping me with my studies,” Morrison added.

 In making the presentations, Nadine Heywood, director at the Scotia Jamaica Foundation, said that the foundation was overjoyed at the opportunity to support the educational success of the students and to help them realise their dreams. 

“We are proud of your achievements, and we are confident that through this opportunity you will be better equipped to achieve your academic goals,” Heywood said.

Heywood was joined by Debra Lopez-Spence, also a foundation director, for the presentation ceremony hosted at the Scotiabank Centre located in downtown Kingston on January 14. 

Ricardo Allen, president and CEO at One-on-One Educational Services Limited, said with the incredible support they received from the sponsors, and the parents, they were very pleased that they could assist so many students.

“This programme was not only important to me personally, but was the right fit given the ongoing pandemic. It was good to help those who were unable to afford it, because at the end of the day, education is not just for a few, it is for all,” Allen said. 

Marcia Bolt Williams, Manager, Social Marketing and Behaviour at PATH, said it was rewarding to see the work of the programme being recognised, by entities such as Scotiabank, One-on-One Educational Services, and the Ministry of Education. 

“I am very pleased by the outcome. These students did exceptionally well, and it goes to show that when we properly administer social programmes, persons who benefit can really do well,” Bolt Williams said.  

Participants in the Scotia Jamaica Foundation CSEC Exam Prep Programme had access to live classes in eight subject areas, self-paced learning, with on-demand curriculum-based video courses and workshops geared at helping them master academic concepts and overcome any barriers to their success. Workshops on study techniques and examination strategies were also included in the programme.