SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAMPARS SELF RELIANCE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS J$550,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO EMPOWER JAMAICAN YOUTH
(Kingston, Jamaica) — The Self Reliance Youth Development Organisation, in collaboration with its long-standing partner, Sampars Cash and Carry Limited (a subsidiary of Derrimon Trading Company Group), hosted its annual awards ceremony on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The ceremony marked a remarkable 30 years of dedication to education and youth development, providing critical financial support to students and their families in Sampars’ surrounding communities and beyond. This year, the programme awarded J$550,000 in scholarships to 38 students, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for those who might otherwise face barriers.
Established in 1994, the Self Reliance Youth Development Organisation has thrived under the leadership and guidance of outgoing Chairman Wilbert Edwards. During the ceremony, the leadership was officially transferred to Fedrick Thomas. Speaking on his experience, Edwards shared, “For three decades, this organisation has been a beacon of hope for families across Jamaica. Through our partnership with Sampars, we are able to support students who demonstrate great potential but face financial challenges. By easing the burden on parents, we help them focus on nurturing their children’s success.”
The programme targets students who have ‘dropped out’ of secondary school or are at risk of doing so. Through the awards and ongoing mentorship, it encourages these students to not only complete their education but also become positive role models for their peers and productive members of society.
Among the awardees was Tiahela Blake, who has been a part of the Sampars Self Reliance Youth Development programme for over ten years. Tiahela shares, “Since starting the program in grade 9, I have been able to further my studies and also have the opportunity to meet new people in a productive space. It has catapulted my educational journey as without it I wouldn’t be able to complete my secondary studies nor matriculate into tertiary studies where I am currently pursuing a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. Otherwise, because of my background, I may have been selling on the road to help support my family. I am forever grateful to this programme which also lends to me paying it forward and teaching Mathematics, Science and PEP classes for younger students in the programme.”
Romaine Dawson, Divisional Manager at Sampars Cash and Carry, noted, “Our partnership with the Self Reliance Youth Development Organisation continues to thrive after 15 years, and we are honoured to be a part of such a transformative initiative. While preparing the cheques for distribution, one of the things I have noted is the progression – the continuous betterment of students within this programme which fills me with great pride. Apart from financial aid, we also provide Saturday classes and, in an effort to maintain a holistic approach to their development, we also host an annual barbeque, pep talks and an adult educational program for their parents to better themselves too. As the team at Sampars Cash and Carry Limited, in collaboration with the Self Reliance Youth Development Organisation, proudly celebrates another milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to uplifting surrounding communities and empowering young people to build brighter futures.”
The 2024 awards ceremony, which featured guest speaker and past student of the The Self Reliance Youth Development Organisation, Felicia Lodge, Housing Sector Monitoring Officer, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, stands as a testament to the importance of sustained education. Students past and present continue to benefit from this invaluable programme, which provides not only financial assistance but also the encouragement needed to succeed.
Ian Kelly, Group Chief Financial Officer of Derrimon Trading Limited, remarked, “At Derrimon, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Despite any financial deterrents that may arise, we are determined to continue to live the dream of Mr. Lloyd Sam Richards. Through our support of this initiative, we are not only investing in individual students but also in the future of Jamaica. At Derrimon we have a responsibility to ensure that we help to build the fabric of this country by investing in the next generation of leaders, and we are proud to play a role in their journey.”
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