4-H Clubs Pledges Support for Outstanding Agricultural Science Student

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs through its Rio Tinto Scholarship Programme has given it commitment to clubite Delano Tucker to support him in his agricultural studies; as he begins his sixth form journey at the Guys Hill High School in St. Catherine.

Tucker, whose story was brought to the organization’s attention has been a clubite since grade nine and since then has participated in a myriad of 4-H activities. He is also the pride of his 4-H Leader and agricultural teacher at the school. Recently, Tucker gained nine CSEC subjects, including a double award in agricultural science.

“He recently applied to the scholarship programme and he has been accepted,” said Garfield Ewart, Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Director of Field Services. He added that due to the nature of the scholarship programme, its support continues at the tertiary level, at the institution of the student’s choice. In a much publicized viral video, Tucker expressed his desire to attend the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, CASE in Portland. Ewart noted that once accepted at CASE, his scholarship at that level will go into effect. He said also that Tucker’s sister who also attends the school will be encouraged to apply for the scholarship, once she becomes eligible.

Providing well needed assistance for needy students is one of the reasons for the existence of the scholarship. Ewart explained that it provides assistance for students starting at the high school level, (grade nine), with bus fare, exam fees, lunch and other incidentals. The programme, which has been in existence for more than 10 years, is geared towards students like Delano with genuine needs and who come from challenged circumstances. These students, who hail from the parishes of St. Ann, St. Catherine and Manchester also come from agricultural backgrounds.

Over the last academic year, approximately 360 scholarships have been provided to students from the secondary to the tertiary levels.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Scholarship Programme is managed by the Jamaica 4-H Clubs with funding provided through the Development Bank of Jamaica.