Students get scholarships to study in Russia

MANDEVILLE — Five Jamaican high school students have received scholarships valued at approximately $25 million (US$287,500) from West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco) and its parent company UC RUSAL, to study engineering at the People’s Friendship University in Moscow, Russia.

The recipients, who were chosen from Windalco operation communities in the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester and St. Ann are: Jodian Campbell, Romaine Facey, Warren Feurado, Dwayne Wellington, and Jason Hemmings.

The scholarships are tenable for five years and will enable the students to complete undergraduate and masters’ degrees in various disciplines of engineering.

 “We are eternally grateful that you saw our potential and decided to choose us as the five individuals to get this scholarship,” stated Hemmings, at a recent function held at WINDALCO’s Kirkvine office to outline details of the scholarships.

“With an opportunity such as this, we will be better suited to become Jamaica’s future leaders. This is more than an opportunity for us to just go and learn some academic lessons; it is an opportunity for us to be ambassadors for Jamaica and be role models for those coming after us,” he added.

Human Resource Director at Windalco, Carlton Fearon, explained that the initiative “is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to people development through the provision of world class education and training”.  He informed that on their return to the island, the students are guaranteed jobs at Windalco for five years.

The awards will cover travel and visa expenses.  In addition, the recipients will be provided with a monthly stipend.

Applicants were shortlisted based on their academic qualifications as well as the quality of essays submitted.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS REGIONAL OFFICE