JWN Foundation nears $150 million in scholarships

SOURCE: The Jamaica Observer

The J Wray & Nephew Foundation added 364 scholars in 2023 to its revised scholarship programme that began in 2016.

JWN’s investment valued at $23,605,000 for 2023 adds to the unbroken eight-year investment in scholarship of $149, 616, 826.23 through 2,436 bursaries.

The JWN Foundation through its focus on communities surrounding the JWN sites in Kingston, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth, has played a pivotal role in promoting education and investing in the future of Jamaica.

The 2023 scholarship cohort is a diverse and accomplished group, comprising 156 scholastic grants, 146 secondary scholars and 62 tertiary scholars; 10 of whom are special awardees.

Of note is that seven of the 10 students being awarded Master Blender scholarships for excellence in STEM, each valued at $450,000. Additionally, two Humanities Scholarships and one prestigious Chairman’s Award scholarship, intended for an outstanding scholar who has received a top bursary for three consecutive years, are among the notable accolades.

Tanikie McClarthy Allen, CEO of the JWN Foundation, expressed, “This year was a remarkable celebration of achievement and promise. Our 2023 cohort delivered exemplary academic performance, represented themselves, their families, and communities well during the interview process and delivered more than 2,000 hours of voluntary service to economically vulnerably neighbourhoods. We are proud of our students and are steadfast in our commitment to offer educational opportunities – that transform lives and communities for a better Jamaica.”

McClarthy Allen further added, “This year’s Chairman’s Award winners is a stellar example to all our scholars. Dowesha Williams is hardworking under challenging circumstances and has an enviable sense of balance between her personal and professional responsibilities. Dowesha recorded 77 voluntary hours of service at the Race Course Primary School tutoring grades four and 6,” she ended.

Williams, a 23-year-old final year medical student at the University of the West Indies, hails from Race Course in Southern Clarendon. She attests, “Before embarking on my university journey, I had to take a gap year due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, the J Wray and Nephew Foundation has been a lifeline for me. It signifies more than just receiving a scholarship; it’s akin to being embraced by a supportive family. Without the foundation’s unwavering support, I unquestionably would not have reached this pivotal stage in my academic journey.”

The JWN Foundation maintains that it remains committed to the sustainable development of Jamaica, recognising that education serves as a cornerstone for the construction of a prosperous and thriving nation.

Through its benevolent scholarships, the foundation aspires to initiate a ripple effect of positive change, enriching the lives of countless individuals, and contributing significantly to the growth and prosperity of Jamaica.

JWN Foundation unleashing the next generation of DJs

SOURCE: Loop News

Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation’s Disc Jockey Summer Camp is back for its second staging at the company’s Head Office on Dominica Drive in Kingston.

Facilitated by DJ Denvo of Open Format Academy and FAME FM, the one-week summer camp was focused on the fundamentals of disc jockeying and music production.

The camp, which began in 2019, saw students, 13 to 17 years being introduced to different aspects of deejaying and music production such as mixing, scratching, remixing techniques, audio editing, creating radio advertisements, beat making, and content creation.

According to JWN Foundation CEO Tanikie McClarthy Allen, “The DJ Summer Camp provides a unique and transformative experience for kids along Spanish Town Road and its environs. Cultural expression and social inclusion are two of the founding pillars of the Foundation and we believe that this innovative program offers a healthy platform for self-expression and fosters personal growth,” she shared.

The JWN Foundation (JWNF), a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth in underserved communities hosted the camp as part of a series of summer programmes being supported by JWNF across the different communities. Designed with the belief that music has the power to inspire, uplift, and unite, the JWN Foundation’s DJ Summer Camp offered a comprehensive curriculum and taps into Jamaican culture.

DJ Denvo, a product of the volatile inner-city community of Olympic Gardens in Kingston saw music as the vehicle that would change his circumstances and better his life. This made him a relatable mentor for these young students, providing valuable insight into the world of Deejaying and life skills.

According to Denvo, “I am thrilled to once again partner with the JWNF to host this DJ Summer Camp as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth through cultural expression. As a byproduct of an inner-city community, I used music and by extension Djing to change my life and my circumstances.”

He continued, “By providing access to these skills s, we are fostering creativity, building self-confidence, and inspiring a passion for music among the next generation of artists and performers,” he ended.

In addition to technical training, the camp also focused on fostering important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and self-discipline. Through interactive workshops and collaborative activities, participants developed a strong sense of camaraderie while learning the value of collaboration, all while engaging in a fun and dynamic learning environment.

The DJ Summer Camp’s penultimate activity was an event where campers had the opportunity to showcase their newfound skills and talents to a panel of judges from JWN. This celebratory showcase highlighted the participants’ musical achievements and personal growth during the camp.

The camp culminated by offering the students a vision of what is possible first with a much-anticipated tour of the RJR Communications Group’s studios on Lyndhurst Road, with stops at Radio Jamaica (RJR 94 FM) – Jamaica’s oldest radio station, Fame 95 FM and Hitz 92 FM. There, they were introduced to the world of radio deejaying as well as some of the notable disc jocks on the airwaves. After getting a peak into the careers available, the students continued with a visit to a Studio facility in Seaview Gardens built for the community by member of parliament Anthony Hylton.

Guided by ‘Buju’ the brother of Shabba Ranks, the tour facilitated some of the children recording originals creations as well as learning how a production studio works.

JWN Foundation helping to train next gen DJs

SOURCE: The Jamaica Gleaner

The J. Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation hosted the second staging of its Disc Jockey Summer Camp at the company’s head office on Dominica Drive.

Facilitated by DJ Denvo of Open Format Academy and FAME FM, the one-week summer camp was focused on the fundamentals of disc jockeying and music production. The camp, which began in 2019, saw students, 13 to 17 years old, being introduced to different aspects of deejaying and music production such as mixing, scratching, remixing techniques, audio editing, creating radio advertisements, beat making, and content creation.

“The DJ Summer Camp provides a unique and transformative experience for kids along Spanish Town Road and its environs. Cultural expression and social inclusion are two of the founding pillars of the foundation and we believe that this innovative programme offers a healthy platform for self-expression and fosters personal growth,” said JWN Foundation CEO Tanikie McClarthy Allen.

The JWN Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering youth in underserved communities. It hosted the camp as part of a series of summer programmes being supported across different communities. Designed with the belief that music has the power to inspire, uplift, and unite, the JWN Foundation’s DJ Summer Camp offered a comprehensive curriculum and taps into Jamaican culture. DJ Denvo, a product of the volatile inner-city community of Olympic Gardens in Kingston, saw music as the vehicle that would change his circumstances and better his life. This made him a relatable mentor for these young students, providing valuable insight into the world of deejaying and life skills.

“I am thrilled to once again partner with the JWN Foundation to host this DJ Summer Camp as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth through cultural expression. As a by-product of an inner-city community, I used music and, by extension, deejaying to change my life and my circumstances,” said DJ Denvo. He continued, “By providing access to these skills, we are fostering creativity, building self-confidence, and inspiring a passion for music among the next generation of artistes and performers,” he ended.

In addition to technical training, the camp also focused on fostering important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and self-discipline. Through interactive workshops and collaborative activities, participants developed a strong sense of camaraderie while learning the value of collaboration, all while engaging in a fun and dynamic learning environment.

The DJ Summer Camp’s penultimate activity was an event where campers had the opportunity to showcase their new-found skills and talents to a panel of judges from JWN. This celebratory showcase highlighted the participants’ musical achievements and personal growth during the camp. The camp culminated by offering the students a vision of what is possible with a tour of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group’s studios on Lyndhurst Road, with stops at Radio Jamaica (RJR 94 FM) – Jamaica’s oldest radio station; FAME 95 FM and Hitz 92 FM. There, they were introduced to the world of radio deejaying as well as some of the notable disc jocks on the air waves.

After getting a peak into careers available, the students continued with a visit to a studio facility in Seaview Gardens built for the community by the Anthony Hylton, member of parliament for St Andrew Western. The tour facilitated some of the children recording originals creations as well as learning how a production studio works.

Clarendon chicken farmers welcome help from JWN Foundation

SOURCE: The Jamaica Observer

A donation by JWN Foundation of chicken starter kits and food items to farming communities in Clarendon has been welcomed by beneficiaries.

“Today’s donation from the JWN Foundation will go a long way in supporting our community and our need to start a small business so that we can sell and buy more so that our business can expand. Ultimately, it’s bigger and better for us. I even have plans to build a bigger ‘chicken coob’ in my backyard,” shared Anneika Bailey, a resident of Gimme-Me-Bit, Clarendon.

The foundation explained that the donation forms part of J Wray & Nephew’s ongoing commitment to support local farmers and provide food security in Jamaica.

The project, which began in 2021 in St Elizabeth, recognises the potential of agri-business as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods in communities surrounding J Wray & Nephew factory locations. This phase focuses on nine communities in the Clarendon area.

“This has been something that the community members have requested, and we listened. By equipping individuals with the necessary resources and support, the JWN Foundation seeks to enable participants to establish sustainable and profitable poultry ventures. We are proud to support the farming communities in Clarendon through this and other donations as we recognise the important role that farmers play in ensuring food security and economic growth in Jamaica, and we are committed to supporting them,” a release from the foundation quotes its CEO Tanikie McClarthy Allen.

Clarendon South Western Member of Parliament Lothan Cousins was on hand for the donation and had great things to say about the continued investments from the JWN Foundation.

“Every quarter, JWN has this community council meeting to hear the feedback of the people and see how the company is impacting the community members. I have seen many benefits from this approach, and I look forward to the continued exemplary leadership of the company,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, I wish more companies would take a look at this model employed by the JWN Foundation to see how best they can continue to contribute to the overall development of Jamaica,” he added.

The foundation said the donation comes at a critical time when many Jamaicans are facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising food costs. With the support of the foundation, farmers in Clarendon will be able to provide for their families and contribute to the local economy.

Since its inception in 2012, the JWN Foundation has been supporting local communities, donating to schools, hospitals, and other organisations in need. The foundation actively plays a part in ‘transforming lives and communities for a better Jamaica.’

The chicken starter kits consist of baby chicks, broiler pellet, broiler crumble, feeder pans, vitamins, heat bulbs and instructions on how to care for the chickens, while the food packages, donated by Lasco, comprised Lasco Food Drink, Lasco Rolled Oats, Lasco Baked Beans and more.

JWN Foundation said the donation benefited more than 40 farming families in Clarendon for this phase. It also said that the company will continue supporting local communities in Jamaica in the future.

JWN Foundation expands agro-preneurship programme to Clarendon communities

SOURCE: The Jamaica Gleaner

The JWN Foundation has announced its donation of chicken starter kits and food items to farming communities in Clarendon. The donation forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support local farmers and provide food security in Jamaica.

This project, which began in 2021 in the St Elizabeth communities, recognises the potential of agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods in communities surrounding J. Wray and Nephew factory locations. This phase focuses on nine communities in the Clarendon area.

According to Tanikie McClarthy Allen, CEO of the JWN Foundation, “This has been something that the community members have requested, and we listened. By equipping individuals with the necessary resources and support, the JWN Foundation seeks to enable participants to establish sustainable and profitable poultry ventures. We are proud to support the farming communities in Clarendon through this and other donations as we recognise the important role that farmers play in ensuring food security and economic growth in Jamaica, and we are committed to supporting them.”

Southwest Clarendon Member of Parliament Lothan Cousins was on hand for the donation and had great things to say about the continued investments from the JWN Foundation.

“Every quarter, JWN has this community council meeting to hear the feedback of the people and see how the company is impacting the community members. I have seen many benefits from this approach, and I look forward to the continued exemplary leadership of the company.”

He continued, “As a matter of fact, I wish more companies would take a look at this model employed by the JWN Foundation to see how best they can continue to contribute to the overall development of Jamaica.”

The donation comes at a critical time when many Jamaicans are facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising food costs. With the support of the JWN Foundation, farmers in Clarendon will be able to provide for their families and contribute to the local economy.

The donation was welcomed by local officials and community leaders alike in Clarendon.

Plans to Build

“Today’s donation from the JWN Foundation will go a long way in supporting our community and our need to start a small business so that we can sell and buy more so that our business can expand. Ultimately, it’s bigger and better for us. I even have plans to build a bigger ‘chicken coop’ in my backyard,” shared Anneika Bailey, a resident of Gimme-Me-Bit, Clarendon.

The JWN Foundation has a long history of supporting local communities in Jamaica. Since its inception in 2012, the company has previously donated to schools, hospitals, and other organisations in need. The Foundation actively plays a part in ‘transforming lives and communities for a better Jamaica’.

The chicken starter kits consist of baby chicks, broiler pellet, broiler crumble, feeder pans, vitamins, heat bulbs and instructions on how to care for the chickens while the food packages donated by LASCO include Lasco Food Drink, Lasco Rolled Oats, Lasco Baked Beans and more.

JWN Foundation said its donation benefited more than 40 farming families in Clarendon for this phase, and the company would continue supporting local communities in Jamaica in the future.

US Embassy Jamaica provides over J$21m to support local education, conservation programmes

SOURCE: Our Today

United States Ambassador to Jamaica, N. Nick Perry, has officially handed over approximately J$21 million to six local entities, through the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Federal Awards Programme.

The beneficiaries will undertake activities spanning several sectors and themes including education, youth development, conflict resolution and animal conservation.

During a recent handover ceremony held at the US Embassy, Perry congratulated each recipient, asserting that the “US Government is pleased to support programmes that create opportunities that tackle challenges faced by Jamaica”.

He went further to state that “the programmes will help provide a road map to success for many of the island’s youth”.

The six awards were issued, following the Embassy’s Notice of Funding Opportunity, which attracted over 70 applicants. The recipients are Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, Educatours JA Limited, JWN Foundation, Seprod Foundation, United Way of Jamaica, and the International Iguana Foundation.

The CLBL Foundation is a non-profit, educational initiative designed to improve the learning ability of children across Jamaica, by developing a community of early childhood and special needs educators. Led by founder, Mandy Melville, CLBL will execute a programme involving literacy and numeracy training for teachers throughout the island.

Educatours JA Limited is an EdTech and adventure tour company, powered by exploration with gamification, storytelling and technology to enhance tours and learning. Co-founders Kadeem Petgrave and Simier Lansend will undertake a ‘Math and Money Challenge’ aimed at addressing math anxiety and strengthening financial literacy among marginalised youth.

Known for its philanthropic pursuits, the JWN Foundation will delve into the issue of conflict resolution in schools. In partnership with the LASCO Chin Foundation and Learn The Fun, the JWN Foundation will facilitate intensive training for teachers and student participants on techniques to prevent dangerous and violent situations, towards promoting safe living and learning environments.

The Seprod Foundation will engage youth between the ages of 6-12 years for its Edu-Skate Extended programme. Through this sport-based educational initiative, the Foundation will aim to empower youth with life skills that instill discipline, determination, and self-motivation to achieve healthy personal goals.

The Read Right from the Start Train the Trainer programme, led by the United Way of Jamaica, will aim to improve the capacity of teachers within the early childhood sector to deliver effective language and literacy programmes to children from birth to six years old. The United Way of Jamaica will also collaborate with the United Way of Greater Atlanta and language and literacy experts from the Rollins Center, to conduct face-to-face training sessions in Jamaica with groups of early childhood teachers, and representatives of the Early Childhood Commission.

Caribbean Rock Iguanas are the most imperiled group of lizards in the world and the Jamaican Rock Iguana, considered critically endangered, is arguably the most threatened among them. The International Iguana Foundation will undertake the Enhancing Conservation and Management of the Jamaican Rock Iguana. This programme highlights the progress that can be achieved through strong partnerships between US and Jamaican stakeholders, working towards the protection of Jamaica’s unique flora and fauna.

The US Embassy in Jamaica said it was pleased to support these initiatives that enhance shared priorities towards progress, prosperity and peace.

J. Wray And Nephew Donates To 12 Healthcare Facilities

Beverage company J. Wray and Nephew Limited (JWN) has answered a call for assistance from various hospitals in Jamaica and this week announced its donation of $45 million to 12 healthcare institutions, starting with a $5 million gift to the problem-plagued Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay.

JWN Foundation Brings Christmas Cheer to 1,000 Families

J. Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation will bring Christmas cheer to over 1,000 families in Kingston and Clarendon by providing food packages and supermarket vouchers. This as the foundation recognises the challenges faced by families with children at home doing online learning. Good nutrition is an important part of learning and development, and JWN Foundation wants to ensure that families can provide balanced meals.

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