Mobay City Run Scholars Commit to Community Service and National Development

Past beneficiaries of Jill Stewart MoBay City Run scholarships have pledged to give back to their communities and contribute to national development, noting the transformative impact of the initiative’s educational support.

The beneficiaries shared their perspectives with JIS News during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, held at the Agency’s Montego Bay Regional Office in St. James on April 8.

Final year counselling student at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College in St. James, Chris Shana Gallimore, shared that her goal is to remain in the region and provide support to individuals facing mental health challenges.

“I know that it is especially important to help persons who are suffering from mental health issues. So, I want to ensure that my fellow citizens here in the western region can call on me whenever needed,” she said.

Miss Gallimore noted that giving back is a natural response to the support she received through the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run scholarship programme.

“They have invested in my education. So, a way to pay it forward is to help others. Someone helped me… [so] I [should] help just the same,” she added.

Miss Gallimore also underscored that beneficiaries are encouraged to remain engaged with the initiative and play an active role in its ongoing success.

“They don’t only just say, ‘get your A’s’; they want you to give back to Montego Bay… give back to western Jamaica,” she said.

The student added that her involvement extends beyond receiving support, noting that she now volunteers with the organisation.

“I made a promise to myself that I would become a volunteer. Anything they ask, I am there… because they have really helped me,” Miss Gallimore stated.

Meanwhile, accounting analyst and University of the West Indies (UWI) graduate, Shanique Corbett, who benefited from scholarship support during her studies, shared that she is already contributing through volunteerism and professional assistance.

“I assist small companies with tax compliance, assist with filing taxes each year… I give advice, and I am heavily a part of volunteerism,” she said.

Miss Corbett further indicated that she mentors university students, particularly first year entrants, to help them navigate academic and financial challenges more effectively.

Founder and Chair of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, Janet Silvera, emphasised that this culture of giving back is central to the initiative’s long term impact.

“All I want to know is that I help this person, and that this person will understand that they were helped and will help somebody else,” she stated.

Now in its 10th year, the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run continues to provide financial assistance and developmental opportunities to students across western Jamaica, while fostering a cycle of support that encourages beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to their communities.