Gov’t Launches SAWP Scholarship to Mark Programme’s 60th Anniversary

The Government of Jamaica’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (GOJ/SAWP) Scholarship was officially launched on Tuesday (March 31), providing vital financial support to the dependents of Jamaican farm workers pursuing advanced secondary and tertiary studies.

Administered through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, 60 scholarships will be awarded at the start of the 2026 academic year, in recognition of the SAWP’s 60th anniversary.

Under the funding structure, students enrolled in sixth form will receive $75,000, while those pursuing tertiary education or Level Three and above of the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) at HEART/NSTA Trust will be awarded $200,000.

Speaking during the launch at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre on East Street in downtown Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., emphasised that the scholarship represents a tangible expression of the Government’s gratitude.

He described the initiative as a vital way for the State to “show up” for the families of farm workers, reflecting the dedication these workers have demonstrated to the nation since the programme’s inception in 1966.

“We’re not only marking the 60th anniversary of that bilateral agreement between Jamaica and Canada but we’re marking 60 years of honour and dedication from the men and women who have been the backbone of this programme for six decades. Their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed,” he said.

“This scholarship… is a recognition; it is a statement that when Jamaican workers show up year after year, season after season, the Government of Jamaica now must show up for you and for your families… and we are doing it by investing in your children,” Minister Charles added.

Meanwhile, Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, described the SAWP as one of the foundational elements of the long-standing partnership between Canada and Jamaica.

He also applauded the establishment of the scholarship programme, describing it as an excellent way to commemorate the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

“The scholarship demonstrates the transformative power of education to create opportunity to support families and to strengthen communities. This investment also recognises the essential contribution of the SAWP workers whose dedication… your dedication… not only supports your families here in Jamaica but also plays a vital role in Canada’s food security, and for that I say thank you,” Mr. Berman said.

The scholarship is designed to cover tuition, books, school supplies, equipment, and other essential educational needs.

To qualify, applicants must be the biological child, legally recognised ward, or dependent of a farm worker currently participating in the SAWP.

Applicants must also satisfy the academic requirements for their level of study. For lower sixth form, a minimum of five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes is required, while for upper sixth, a minimum of three Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) passes is required.

For students enrolled in universities and colleges, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, while applicants enrolled at HEART/NSTA Trust must be pursuing Level Three or higher NVQ-J certification.

Additionally, applicants must not be previous recipients of the Jamaica National Fields of Opportunity Scholarship or the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Scholarship.

Beyond academics, applicants must also demonstrate involvement in community development, which may include agricultural projects, community service, mentorship, youth leadership, or environmental programmes.

For parents or guardians of applicants, eligibility requires participation in the SAWP for five or more consecutive years. They must also be currently employed and not recorded as absent without official leave (AWOL).

Applicants must submit a completed application form, available on the Ministry’s website (www.mlss.gov.jm), along with all required supporting documents.

Additionally, they must submit a short personal statement outlining their educational journey, career goals, and how the scholarship will support their aspirations.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Applications open on April 15, 2026 and close on June 13, 2026. Awards will be issued in time for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.