Former Wards of the State Receive Scholarships from COJO

Four former wards of the State, who have excelled in their studies, have been presented with scholarships worth US$5,000 each by Children of Jamaica Outreach Inc. (COJO), to pursue tertiary level education in the island.

The scholarships, which have been awarded to Tanegea Campbell, Patricia Brown, Alex Arnold and Moesha Wolery, will allow them to study in the fields of business and the sciences at various institutions islandwide.

The students were presented with their awards at COJO’s 5^th annual scholarship luncheon, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, on September 10.

Tanegea will be pursuing nursing at Northern Caribbean University (NCU); Patricia – Biology Technology at the University of the West Indies; Alex – Science and business studies at Montego Bay Community College; and Moesha – Business Administration at Moneague College.

Addressing the recipients at the luncheon, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, urged them to continue to strive for excellence.

“Never let your present situation limit your possibilities for success, or allow the circumstances from which you come to determine how far you go in life…the sky is the limit,” she said.

The Minister told the recipients that while they will face unfavourable situations on their path to success, they should not allow these to thwart their progress, but instead remain focused in their pursuit.

“No matter the circumstances personally or professionally, all of us can share a story of overcoming adversities and of achieving success in the face of challenges. We have all faced situations where others, and even at times we, doubted our own abilities. Through hard work and dedication, we overcome and scale hurdles to get ahead and life is always better when we succeed,” she said.

Senator Falconer said the work of COJO and other charitable organisations is paramount, as it assists in empowering and training the nation’s youth, so  they can become productive and outstanding citizens.

She lauded the organisers for their vision and dream in assisting the less fortunate in the society.

Chairman/Founder of COJO, Gary Williams, encouraged the recipients to remain focused and maintain their high academic standards.

He used the opportunity to thank all the sponsors and donors, including a former ward of the State, who have contributed to their cause this year and in previous years.

Patricia, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients, thanked all the organizations that have aided in their development over the years.

She said that being chosen for the scholarship was an honour and signifies that there are organisations that are readily available to assist individuals in their path for success and growth.

COJO is a Jamaican non-profitable charitable organisation based in New York. Its mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of underprivileged children. Over the past 10 years, the volunteer-driven organisation has supported a number of institutions in Jamaica and the United States.