Impact & Testimonials
2025
Hurricane Beryl Relief
On July 11th, we celebrated partnership.
Together, through this collective effort, we raised a total of J$459 million for Hurricane Beryl Relief. With these funds, our partnership was able to support over 540 farmers, repair 795 roofs, distribute 800 water filters, reconnect 3000 homes to water with generators, and impact more than 13,000 lives
The AFJ is deeply appreciative to our partners and stakeholders. Your support has made it possible for us to reach our goals and help those most affected by this disaster.
Seprod Foundation
“The Seprod Foundation was on hand at the Halls of Learning for the Coding Challenge Awards Ceremony to acknowledge the top performers from this year’s competition. We also wish to say a special thank you to the American Friends of Jamaica who partnered with us to make this year’s Coding Challenge possible”
Christel House Jamaica
“This is our first cohort of students to sit the Grade 6 PEP exams — a remarkable achievement given they joined in Grade 2 and faced pandemic-related disruptions. Still, they’re on a growth trajectory and have set a strong baseline for the future. ‘Those who have been here from the beginning know where we are coming from. To reach this level at this time is a testament to hard work, dedication and student success.’ – Jason Scott, Executive Principal.
Special thanks to AFJ for funding our Saturday Academic Booster Programme – helping turn challenges into progress.”
Virtual Impact Event
Thank you for joining Impact in Motion!
We’re grateful to everyone who tuned in to reflect, connect, and envision the future with us. Special thanks to Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton and our inspiring grantees. The journey continues, stay with us! Watch the full video on this link.
Kamar Edwards
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am grateful for to have been selected as the recipient of the Mark and Kathleen Newman Scholarship. Without any doubt, this scholarship will play an important role in achieving my academic aspirations. Because of this scholarship, my financial burden has been greatly reduced. This gives me more time to focus on my studies and less time worrying about my finances. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to continue my studies. I would like to say thank you also on behalf of my family who are grateful.”
Michael Grizzle
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am writing to express my thanks for being selected as a recipient of the Ralph and Ricky Lauren Bursary. This generous financial contribution will allow me to continue my studies at UWI. I am an undergraduate student with a major in Marine Biology and minor in history. This summer I intend to gain valuable experience in the field by applying for an internship. When I graduate, I intend to immediately search for job opportunities so that I can start my career as soon as possible. None of this would’ve been possible without the help for this bursary.”
Jade Thomas
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am writing to express my utmost thanks for being selected as a recipient of the Klotz Family Scholarship. This scholarship has made it easier for me to pursue my goals as it has significantly alleviated the burden on my family, especially my mother, who has worked tireless to provide me with the opportunity to pursue my education. Please know that your investment in my future will never be forgotten nor the feedback and encouragement I received from all you during the scholarship interview.”
Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information
“For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools, and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities, or modernizing public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us. “
2025 Grant Award Ceremony
AFJ Presents over US$740,000 (J$115 million) in Grant Awards The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. (AFJ) strives to positively impact lives through supporting reputable charities while stewarding donations from our supporters in the United States of America to Jamaica.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The AFJ facilitated a generous US$150,000 donation from Danny and Paula Wegman, dedicated to improving eye care in Western Jamaica. The funds were used to purchase retinal cameras, a laser machine, and to provide training for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of vision loss across four parishes.
The expert team at WRHA developed a comprehensive plan that addresses the full spectrum of care: from training of technician, to patient assessment, to addressing the importance of preventative care for diabetics and for treatment. – states Wendy Hart, President of the AFJ at the launch ceremony in Montego Bay.
Clan Carthy Primary School
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) facilitated a generous donation by renowned reggae and dancehall artist Ding Dong. This contribution will directly benefit the students of his Alma Mater, Clan Carthy Primary School and Donald Quarrie High School. This is a demonstration of corporate philanthropy impacting the society.
“It is commendable that Ding Dong doesn’t forget where he comes from and he is always willing to give back” Sarah Hsia, AFJ Director
World International Model United Nations (WIMUN) Conference
“The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), in partnership with JetBlue, proudly supported Jamaican students as they participated in the 2025 World International Model United Nations (WIMUN) Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Understanding the significance of educational opportunities like WIMUN, AFJ and JetBlue collaborated to provide round-trip airfare for several students, ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder their participation. Through the support of AFJ and JetBlue, these bright young minds had the opportunity to gain invaluable experience, enhance their diplomatic skills, and represent Jamaica on the world stage”. Read more here
Handheld Ultrasound Project (3rd year)
In collaboration with JAHJAH Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the third annual Jamaica Handheld Ultrasound Project (JHUP) was launched on Monday, January 27th in Kingston, Jamaica. This two day conference targets physicians in the public health sector to offer training on the revolutionary handheld ultrasound technology. Over the past three years, a total of 50 Butterfly devices have been distributed to 19 hospitals across Jamaica and over 100 physicians have been trained in their use. These devices will improve the quality of medical care for up to 90,000 patients per year.
2024
Hurricane Beryl Relief
Through effective collaboration, we achieved goals that might have been unattainable individually. Thank you to our partners.
Mission of Sight
“We can’t say enough about our 2024 Children’s Vision Clinic. With the support of our US volunteers Doctors, our Jamaican volunteers, The American Friends of Jamaica, Professional Eye Care and R.A. Williams we cared for 172 pairs of eyes for children ages 6 to 12yrs old and 5 teachers; most of whom this was their 1st eye exam!
We are grateful to have the ability to serve the Children of Jamaica, and thankful to these partners who helped to make caring for more eyes possible this year.”
Busy Bee
Your dollars at work: Provided 2 free academic summer camps to under-served children; 120 lunches were served daily to the students.
Busy Bee Summer Camp was a free enrichment program for under-served communities. Children had access academic programing, field trips, and nutritious lunch daily.
Trench Town Primary School
“This weekend at Trench Town Primary School, the school officially opened their newly-finished outdoor pavilion funded by the Bob Marley One Love movie & Paramount Pictures, and facilitated AFJ!
Named the Colin Smikle Pavilion in memory of the film’s late location manager and beloved member of the Trench Town Community, the structure will play a vital role for the school, offering a covered space for outdoor learning on days when classrooms are too hot inside, and a place for students to wait in between classes during inclement weather.”
Mission of Sight
Your dollars at work: Provided vision care services for 173 students and 5 teachers across 4 schools
AFJ Grantee, Mission of Sight conducted an eye health program in Montego Bay. Good vision is important for us to make sense of the world around us. The children were thrilled to get tested and fitted with eyewear.
Hurricane Beryl Relief
Your dollars at work: Providing over U$785,000 in rebuilding efforts post Hurricane Beryl.
As stewards of your donation dollars, we take our responsibility seriously. We are grateful for the generosity and responsiveness of our supporters. Over 2600 people have benefited from Hurricane Beryl Relief efforts. The work continues; we are counting on your ongoing support.
Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTP)
“Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTP) received J$36 million from the sum displayed here which was raised by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) in partnership with the NCB Foundation for Hurricane Beryl relief. The occasion was the handover ceremony on Friday, September 6, 2024 at the FFTP headquarters in St Catherine. The funds will be used to repair roofs, re-invest in crop and livestock farmers, and provide back-to-school assistance for primary and infant school students. A donation was also made to the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation to assist their hurricane relief efforts.”
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures
A successful dental mission has been completed between August 28th and September 6th, 2024. Thanks you to our partners, Colgate BSBF, Cari-med, JetBlue, and The Ministry of Health and Wellness! Your donation to the AFJ General Fund enables us to execute critical programmatic initiatives.
Seprod Foundation
Smiles and Learning Galore!
The AFJ supported Seprod Foundation and Hall of Learning’s Outreach Day 2024! Children and their families enjoyed robotics, coding, and exciting STEAM activities.
Shantae Beckford
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“Receiving this scholarship has not only provided me with financial relief but has also boosted my confidence in achieving my academic goals. Your generous support has lightened my financial burden and allowed me to fully focus on my studies and extracurricular activities. It also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my academic journey. I assure you that I will make the most of this opportunity and work diligently towards achieving my education and career goals.”
Shanice Bromfield
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am writing to convey my heartfelt appreciation for being selected as the recipient of the Glenn A. Holden Bursary. This esteemed scholarship is both an honour, and a source of inspiration and encouragement for me. It has alleviated the financial burden of my education, providing me with support that encourages me to maintain a high academic performance.”
Aliyah Alexander
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I write this letter filled with utmost gratitude and appreciation for being selected as the recipient of the Mark and Kathleen Newman Scholarship. Your generous contribution is not only a colossal financial relief for myself and my family, but it also commends my diligence and dedication to my academic pursuits. I am truly honored to be chosen from a group of outstanding applicants, and I intend to maintain the standard of excellence that this scholarship represents.”
Hurricane Beryl Relief
The target was exceeded one week after it was set! Your contribution helps to mobilize desperate needs in communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Seprod Foundation
Efficient partnerships help to deepen awareness and knowledge about new concepts. The AFJ is happy to support OUCC and Seprod Foundation to help develop young minds in Jamaica in STEAM education.
“The support from the American Friends of Jamaica has been instrumental in helping to students from schools all across Jamaica.”
2024 Grant Award Ceremony
AFJ awarded 47 grants totaling US$767,000 during the annual Grant Awards Ceremony held on May 7th in Kingston, Jamaica. The event was hosted by Ambassador N. Nick Perry with special guests, Minister Fayval Williams from the Ministry of Education, Dr. Kasan Troupe, members of the AFJ board of directors and other special guests.
The University of the West Indies, Mona
2024 AFJ Grant Award Ceremony Highlights. AFJ Director, Denise Dubuque presented grant certificates to 47 grantees totaling over US$767K across the AFJ’s pillars of Education, Healthcare and Economic Development.
The University of the West Indies, Mona supports a free summer computing program for 3rd – 5th graders to teach coding and algorithms.
VM Group Limited
2024 AFJ Grant Award Ceremony Highlights. AFJ Director, Denise Dubuque presented grant certificates to 47 grantees totaling over US$767K across the AFJ’s pillars of Education, Healthcare and Economic Development.
VM Group Limited’s program “RISE” helps children reduce PTSD symptoms, build resilience, and foster per and parent support.
Journey 2 Free
2024 AFJ Grant Award Ceremony Highlights. AFJ Director, Denise Dubuque presented grant certificates to 47 grantees totaling over US$767K across the AFJ’s pillars of Education, Healthcare and Economic Development.
Journey 2 Free conduct a retreat for 40 female survivors of child sexual, emotional, and physical violence.
The Child Resiliency Program
AFJ Grantee The Child Resiliency Program help children build literacy skills and receive psychosocial support in an after-school program.
25 children per year receive daily nutrition, literacy training, and life skills training through an after-school program offered by the Child Resiliency Program.
Mission of Sight
AFJ Grantee Mission of Sight is dedicated primarily to helping those with impaired vision by restoring their sight through surgical and clinical care.
Then & Now
For over 40 years, the AFJ has been in service to the people of Jamaica. Beginning with a group of people who loved Jamaica and wanted to see it prosper, to an ever-expanding non-profit. The AFJ continues to increase impact to the most vulnerable communities in Jamaica.
National Education Trust (NET)
The National Education Trust (NET), in collaboration with American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), will execute a water harvesting and sanitation upgrade project to enhance water accessibility and sanitation facilities at Cambridge Primary School in Cambridge, St James. AFJ has provided a grant totalling US$34,571 for the project, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure in Jamaica.
C.B. Facey Foundation
Through the AFJ’s grant program, we support NGOs such as The C.B. Facey Foundation, addressing critical areas such as education, health, and community development, fostering long-term positive change in Jamaica.
C.B Facey Foundation installed solar panels, a water pump, and water tanks to supply administrative area bathrooms and sports pavilion
Ultrasound Conference
JAHJAH Foundation held it’s 16th annual Ultrasound Conference in Kingston, Jamaica. The second phase of the handheld ultrasound initiative was executed. AFJ is proud to be a partner of this transformative initiative.
2023
A New Jamaica of Peace
AFJ Grantee A New Jamaica of Peace is located in the inner-city community of Arnett Gardens works to empower children through a program that includes computer science, music, literacy, foreign languages, and field trips.
Jamaica Environment Trust
The AFJ’s Grant enables The Jamaica Environment Trust to pursue its mission to protect Jamaica’s natural resources using education, advocacy and the law to influence individual and organizational behavior and public policy and practice.
Grades 4-5 in 30 SEP schools, other schools, and on social media benefitted from content created on climate change.
Wattle and Red Earth Collective
Through the AFJ’s Discretionary Grant program, the AFJ supports NGOs such as the Wattle and Red Earth Collective promoting the preservation and education of traditional arts throughout Jamaica.
3 apprentices attended a 10 day training to facilitate documentation of techniques in Spanish Wall construction. The basis for Living Museum’s curated experience in St. Elizabeth.
Christel House
Christel House provides a robust education and a strong character development program along with regular health care, nutritious meals, and family assistance. The AFJ’s Grant enabled 277 students to receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack daily in the 2022 – 2023 academic year.
Busy Bee Education Enrichment
Busy Bee Education Enrichment is a non-profit organization created to increase the literacy rates of disadvantaged children in Jamaica. This past year, the AFJ supported construction of a play deck for the 65 students.
Mustard Seed Communities
Mustard Seed Communities is committed to providing nutritious meals for students.
Bethel Baptist Church
Grant making is the focus of the work we do, and we are proud of our impact in Jamaica.
In-Kind Donation
In November 2023, a life-changing in-kind donation to hospitals arrived in Jamaica! The donation included anesthesia warmers, laryngoscope, catheters, and other surgical supplies valued at over US$600K. Items in this 20-foot container will be distributed to the University of the West Indies, Kingston Public Hospital, Chaptelton Hospital and May Pen Hospital.
We sincerely appreciate the willingness, efforts and generosity of our donor, recent Lignum Vitae Honoree Janice Hart of Yale New Haven Hospital, the support of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and AFJ shipping partner Dennis Shipping.
Chain of Hope
Chain of Hope brings expertise for life-saving heart treatments to children in developing countries. The AFJ’s Grant enabled 8 visiting cardiac teams to work at the Children’s Heart Centre in Kingston, Jamaica.
Jamaican Advantage through Sports for Youth (JASY)
Jamaican Advantage through Sports for Youth (JASY) provides summer sports and recreation camps for economically disadvantaged Jamaican youth in Kingston. This year, grant funds were used toward a one week sports training camp for 130 students.
Seprod Foundation
The Seprod Foundation has been providing scholarships for over 30 years. In partnership with Halls of Learning and the AFJ, the Foundation hosted the Bebras Challenge in Jamaica, an international challenge for Jamaican youth to solve fun and interactive computational thinking problems.
Institute of Jamaica
The Institute of Jamaica has completed 3 summer camps to help children build potential in creative arts and languages. With the AFJ grant fund in 2023, 108 students successfully participated in a visual and performing arts and technology-based learning curriculum.
Football is Freedom
The AFJ has increased its support of Football is Freedom. The initiative hosts camps and training activities for the Reggae Girlz, who have recently made history after debuting in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Javanna Campbell
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I was overjoyed to learn that I was a recipient of the Ambassador Sue Cobb Scholarship. It is an incredible honor to be awarded this scholarship to help with my university tuition. I am currently in my final year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and this award will allow me to have a more enjoyable final year experience. Even though words cannot adequately express how grateful I am to have received this award, I just want to express my gratitude for your generosity and kindness”
Davia Samuels
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding
the Ralph and Ricky Lauren Bursary towards my tuition. I am honored to be the
recipient of this award. I was worried and in tears that this dream of mine to complete this degree would come to an end after receiving a financial hold on my account which would have barred me from sitting my exams and completing this semester. But through prayers and faith and with help of your contribution, it has allowed my dream to become a reality which has given me a second chance at completing this semester”
The Child Resiliency Program
The Child Resiliency Program is an afterschool program that builds literacy and provides psychosocial support to children (and their families) who have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Students’ reading levels and attitudes toward schoolwork improved. The children were fed each session and engaged in sporting and creative activities.
Smile A While Foundation
Smile A While Foundation provides therapy services to neurodiverse children in areas where access to such support is not widely available. The AFJ grant enabled the 15 trained therapists to aid 450 special needs kids. Support the AFJ grant program today, see link in bio.
SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to preventing child abandonment, offering long-term care for children in need. In 2023, our grant supported adolescent and youth participants who are nearing their transition from SOS. Support our grant program today, see link in bio.
Fight for Peace
Fight for Peace is dedicated to promoting peace and supporting young people reach their full potential. In 2023, our grant supported the Fighting Words Book Club, improving educational outcomes of 150 youth in Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO), and supporting nutritional costs for participants. The program completed 22 Book Club sessions, 4 author visits, 2 field trips and 70 exam support sessions.
2022-2023 Grants Presented Overview
This year the AFJ presented $630,979.84 (including tertiary scholarships) in grants to programs and organizations in Jamaica.
A New Jamaica of Peace
A New Jamaica of Peace is committed to making a difference in the inner-city community of Arnett Gardens. With your donations, A New Jamaica of Peace has provided meals and cooking lessons to 60 students involved in their training and academic classes in 2023.
Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL)
Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL) is devoted to developing a network of early childhood and special needs teachers. In 2023, the AFJ funded the Summer Learning Session Phase of the CLBL programs. 79 teachers and 332 students participated in 12 schools.
Christel House Jamaica
A message to the American Friends of Jamaica from the students of Christel House Jamaica. The generosity of our donors means everything to the people we serve. The impact of the AFJ directly reflects your commitment to building a better Jamaica.
St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital
Carnival Corp, AFJ, and Chukka are coming together to renovate the Playroom in the Pediatric Ward at St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, demonstrating the power of collaboration in service to the community. The highlight of the project was reading to the children, bringing joy and hope to young patients. This impactful initiative embodies the spirit of Labor Day 2023, turning a day of action into lasting change for those in need.
The Hon. Fayval Williams
Minister of Education
This is a proud moment for all of us as we witness the impact that the American Friends of Jamaica’s philanthropic efforts have on the Jamaican community. Giving back to the people of Jamaica through philanthropy is important because it can help improve their quality of life, support education and healthcare initiatives, promote economic growth and stability, and foster a sense of community and connection.
Clarion Phillpotts
Founder and Managing Director of A New Jamaica of Peace Foundation
“We are feeling very blessed and grateful. We work with the youth, and as we grow with them, we have added different components. As we try to give them more, they need more investments. We have to take seriously in investing in our youth. We do not want another generation to become involved in crime and criminality,” said Clarion Phillpotts, Founder and Managing Director of the Foundation.
Dr Trevor Dixon
Founder and CEO of JAHJAH Foundation
Dr. Trevor Dixon, Founder and CEO of JAHJAH Foundation, recalled that 15 years ago, he and Dr. Hugh Wong trained 400 physicians through ultrasound workshops. However, many returned to facilities lacking functional ultrasound machines. Last year, he was introduced to AFJ, who were exploring new ultrasound technology, and “brilliance struck.” He highlighted that AFJ stepped up big time by funding handheld devices for phase one of the Jamaica project. Dr. Dixon emphasized that ultrasounds save lives and called the handheld devices a “game changer” for Jamaica’s public health system, as pregnant mothers will no longer need to be moved between facilities for ultrasounds.
Cassandra Everett
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“The AFJ Scholarship significantly impacted the final year of my undergraduate journey at the University of the West Indies. In second year when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Jamaica and school physically closed, I had to move back home to Portland in rural Jamaica. Not only did the pandemic affect my parents’ income, but it also prevented me from finding temporary employment opportunities, since many companies were not hiring and because I had to move back home. Now, my parents have been relieved of a great deal of burden, I am performing well in my studies and I am on track to graduate this year”
Sarah Webster
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“It is a privilege to have been a recipient of one of the American Friends of Jamaica awards. With the bursary received, I was able to pay a good portion of my tuition which meant financial relief for my parents. With my father being recently retired and my mothers’ livelihood affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, last semester’s tuition would have been an extra stretch. I am exceedingly grateful for the bursary as it has enabled me to continue my last leg of undergraduate studies with excellence. I am free to continue my academic and life aspirations without the pressure of paying back a loan. I was able to make good use of this bursary as last semester my GPA increased to 4.0.
Swayne James
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am a finalizing student at the University of the West Indies currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology. I extend my sincere gratitude to the AFJ and the persons who made the Ambassador Sue Cobb Scholarship possible. This award has impacted my academic career by giving me more time to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities. It has also affected my personal life by allowing me to go through my final year without worrying about my financial situation, taking the load off myself and my family members. This assistance prompted me to participate in more scholarly activities, such as the Huawei Seeds for the Future program, where I placed second among Jamaica’s batch of interns”
Marchell Burton
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am most honoured and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of an AFJ award, such that I am presently in the capacity of a scholar writing a testimonial! I recall being in the clinical area, receiving an unexpected phone call regarding a scholarship interview and as God would have it, the interview process went smoothly and wonderfully. The financial aid has contributed to reducing my debt with student loan; which is the main outcome I anticipated. You have propelled me one step closer to creating the quality of life I envision for myself and family. Words truly do not suffice in expressing my gratitude to you for seeing potential in me and investing in same. Thanks a million!”
Deandra Ramona Scott
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am honoured to have received the Ralph and Ricky Lauren Bursary for the academic year 2020/2021. This bursary has helped my family and me considerably. I am happy to say that I am one step closer to completing my degree in actuarial science. This would not have been possible without the help of this donation.
I have been able to continue my studies with fewer worries during this coronavirus COVID 19 pandemic. Thank you to The American Friends of Jamaica for investing in my education“
Andrea Pink
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I express my deepest appreciation for being a beneficiary of the AFJ award for the 2020/2021 academic year. Given my financial situation, this scholarship was crucial in helping me pursue my bachelor’s degree.
The COVID-19 pandemic had severely limited access to funds, and this scholarship allowed me to finish my degree on time, in good health, and with a boost in self-esteem. I am now positioned to pursue my master’s with great determination.”
Jason Gayle
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am truly thankful to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) for selecting me as a recipient of the Ambassador Glen Holden Bursary, as it had allowed me to pursue my studies without worrying about my financial burden onset by the pandemic. As a recipient of an AFJ award, I had realized that a truly heavy burden had been lifted from me. This had been due to me not having to worry about being barred from sitting my final exams due to my fees not being paid”
Nafeesa Dawes
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“After finding the courage to open an email from the UWI Office of Student Financing, I read in shock. I was elated to learn that I had received the 2020 Kevin Paul Akindele Wright Memorial Bursary. This award gave me the financial clearance needed to sit my final exams. My tuition exceeds the maximum loan offered by the Students’ Loan Bureau, so I need to seek additional funding each year. This bursary has lifted that burden for me. To the American Friends of Jamaica, thank you for the opportunity to continue my university studies. I am honored to have benefited from your decades of service to the Jamaican people”
Kimani Allen
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“My name is Kimani Allen, I am a full-time student enrolled in the Actuarial Science programme. Being a final year student, I am well acquainted with the rigours of the programme along with the work, dedication, and focus needed to fulfill the objectives to be deemed qualified for a degree in Actuarial Science. Being awarded the Ralph & Ricky Lauren Bursary is a blessing, a prayer answered, and a stress reliever as it reduced the financial burden, now I can focus even more on my studies without worrying about whether I will be financially cleared to sit my exams and so I thank you all”
Devonie Gray
Student At The University Of The West Indies
“I am truly honoured to be the recipient of the Ambassador J. Gary Cooper Bursary for the academic year 2020/2021. Lack of finance has been the greatest barrier on my path to success, but regardless of the situation it has never been too hard to prevent me from performing excellently in my academics. It brought me joy to know that my financial barrier has been reduced significantly because of the AFJ’s generosity and major donation. It even motivates me to work even harder knowing that someone cares”
Msgr. Richard Albert
Founder St. Patrick’s Foundation
Ms. Melecia Dougherty
TEACH English Teacher (Head of English Dept, Mile Gully High school)
Ms. Helen Baxendale
TEACH English teacher, Australian Rhodes Scholar
“The children who have attended the JASY camps truly appreciate the experience as the activities have an uplifting effect on their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually. Some of the youth have begun to see life from a different perspective, not just poverty; and besides putting a smile on their faces it has given them a chance to use their God-given talents. One of the major problems in Jamaica is that there is a lack of hope that anything will get better and JASY offers these young people a spirit of hope and love”