Pepsi Cola Jamaica (PCJ) has stepped forward to provide sponsorship of J$150,000 to aid five outstanding students at Pembroke Hall High School in covering their Caribbean Examination Council’s (CXC) examination fees as part of the company’s commitment to fostering education and community development.

Speaking at the handover at Pembroke Hall High School on Friday, December 15, Anecia Levy, transformation manager at PCJ, said, “At Pepsi Cola Jamaica, we believe in the transformative power of education. By sponsoring the CXC exam fees for these students, we aim to make a positive impact on their academic journey and prospects. We see this as an investment in the future leaders of our community, and it aligns with our commitment to supporting initiatives that empower and uplift.”

The initiative traces back to a unique interaction between Pembroke Hall High School students and PCJ during the official opening event of PCJ’s new production line last month.

Claude Ellis, principal of Pembroke Hall explained, “Our students were invited to the opening of the new production line, and a decision was made to send students pursuing Technical Vocational subjects. The students were the ones, I gathered, that opened the conversation regarding the sponsorship.”

“The sparkle and excitement I saw in their eyes when they returned spoke to the fact that they knew there are people who believe in them and are willing to invest in their education,” she continued.

The beneficiaries of this educational boost are grade 11 students who are set to sit for the 2024 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, in addition, PCJ also contributed products to the school. Expressing their gratitude, Nakaila Meirs and Jamaul Spaulding shared their thoughts on the transformative assistance provided by Pepsi Cola.

“When I found out that Pepsi was providing assistance for my subjects, I felt so happy that I was able to help my parents with that financial burden. I am really appreciative of this gesture. I would like to say a big thank you to Pepsi for this assistance, and I know I will make you proud!” exclaimed Meirs, a prefect at Pembroke Hall.

Spaulding, with aspirations in mathematics, technical drawing, and theatre arts, echoed similar sentiments, “My goals in the future are to become a soldier and own multiple businesses to ensure my mom can live a nice and comfortable life in retirement. I was literally over the moon to go home and give mommy the good news. I think this assistance is a push to know that someone who doesn’t know you personally is willing to help pay for your CXC subjects; this is my motivation.”