"As you pursue your higher levels of learning, please do not forget to give back to the community that has made this all possible"; that was the sentiment expressed by members of the Journey for Education (JFE) Foundation. The Foundation handed out U$ 10.000.00 to 4 students who are continuing the education on St Maarten and abroad. The short ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon in Point Blanche.
The four students were selected out of 19 applications and represent four cornerstones of capacity building and development on St Maarten. Jermain Harrison is pursuing a Masters in Theology and intends to return to St Maarten and contribute to the spiritual development of the community in all aspects. Alexi Flanders is pursuing a degree in Computer Management at USM on St Maarten. Darisca Walker is pursuing her degree in Pharmacy and hopes to return to the island and start her own pharmacy, while Gisella Hilliman is pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with the intention to put her degree to good use for the benefit of the local community.
While addressing the students, members of JFE commended them on their exemplary achievements so far, while encouraging them to continue. The members also echoed the need for students to return and give back to the community in all regards. There are many non-profit organizations competing for an ever dwindling amount of donation funds and with the present economic challenges, raising large amounts of funds and assisting large groups is also a challenge for JFE. But if you can continue to be great role models and give back to the community, organizations such as JFE can continue provide the much-needed supplementary funding to many other students; JFE President Rolando Tobias concluded in addressing the recipients.
The Journey for Education Foundation is the oldest educational organization that provides supplementary funding to students seeking tertiary education. The Foundation raises funds by means of two events annually; the annual gala dinner takes place in November and the annual walkathon in April.
