Women’s Centre Gets $310,000 from Diplomatic Corps

The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has received a donation of $310, 000 (US$2,000) from the diplomatic corps in support of its A-STREAM programme.

Instituted in 2018, A-STREAM provides sponsorship and mentoring for adolescent mothers enrolled in the WCJF to ensure that they, along with the fathers, can complete their secondary education and advance to tertiary studies.

The cheque, the first of several contributions, was handed over by Panamanian Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Jamaica, Ambassador Dr. Lansford Douglas, at the WCJF Trafalgar Road location in St. Andrew on Thursday (February 8).

Ambassador Douglas was accompanied by several Ambassadors.

The gift is an initiative of the Ambassador, who, along with other members of the Diplomatic Corps, had promised to contribute following a recent visit to the entity.

In his remarks, Ambassador Douglas said the diplomat was happy to share and provide funding for the benefit of the teenage mothers.

He informed that the Diplomatic Corps is working on a plan, which will involve the Embassy of Cuba, to provide healthcare support for the students at the WCJF.

Additionally, he said that negotiations are currently taking place with COPA Airlines for the contribution of two round-trip tickets to a Caribbean country for the best student and a teacher.

Chairperson of the WCFJ’s Board of Directors, Debby-Ann Brown Salmon, who received the monetary gift, told JIS News that the funds will “go a far way”.

“We are excited. We are ecstatic because we know that it is not going to stop here. This is just one of many efforts by the Diplomatic Corps. They are already making plans for other contributions… . It is great, it is fantastic for us, and we are so appreciative,” she added.