The Bob & Rita Marley Foundations proudly hosted the annual Marley for Education Scholarship and Grants handover ceremony on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Bob Marley Museum.

The evening unfolded under the inspiring theme, “Rise Up to Your Destiny: Empowering Minds, Inspiring Futures,” and drew an audience of over 100 people, including scholarship recipients, their families, friends, well-wishers, and community stakeholders. 

This year’s ceremony celebrated the awarding of over JMD 10 million in scholarships and grants to over 350 deserving students across Jamaica, reaffirming the Foundations’ ongoing commitment to education and youth empowerment. Second-year law student Tajhuan Bennett shared, “This investment in not only me, but in thousands of other students over the years, will ensure that we have our best foot forward as the next generation to make a difference in society.” 

A Legacy of Education and Empowerment 

Marley for Education has been a cornerstone initiative of the Bob & Rita Marley Foundations for decades, reaching thousands of students across multiple levels of education. Through scholarships, book grants, and tuition support, the program has enabled students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial barriers. 

The scholarship recipients, many of whom shared their own journeys of perseverance, expressed deep gratitude to the Foundations for investing in their futures. 

Over the years, Marley for Education has produced success stories of recipients who have gone on to become creatives, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals after completing their tertiary studies. The programme has also supported students entering basic, primary and high school through tuition coverage, book grants and other back-to-school supplies, ensuring they are equipped with essential textbooks and materials to focus on their studies. 

Celebrating the Next Generation 

Guest Presenter Emprezz Golding brought her trademark energy and inspiration to the ceremony, charging the students with her 8 commandments to success. She reminded them to dream big, remain focused, and believe in their ability to achieve greatness. 

“As I always tell young people, your dream is your starting point,” Golding said. “It could be about school, sports, arts, science, technology, or helping others. It’s the image of what you want to achieve. Commandment One: Thou Shalt Dream!” 

While the official Scholarship and Grants Handover Ceremony on Saturday welcomed over 100 attendees, it is important to note that for this back-to-school year alone, the Marley for Education Initiative has supported more than 350 students with scholarships or book grants to assist their academic journeys. 

Continuing the Marley Legacy 

Education remains one of the central pillars of the Bob & Rita Marley Foundations’ work, standing alongside youth empowerment, cultural development, and community upliftment. The Foundations’ commitment to disadvantaged youth continues to build upon the powerful legacy of Bob and Rita Marley, who believed deeply in the transformative power of education.  As the Foundations look ahead, Marley for Education will continue to expand its reach, touching lives across Jamaica and inspiring the next generation to rise to their destiny.