COJO, CPFSA team to help wards of the State
Apartnership between the New York-based non-profit Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) and State agency Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has given hope to wards of the State, to continue their education through the provision of scholarships funded chiefly by members of the Jamaican Diaspora.
CPFSA CEO Rosalee Gagegrey said several wards and former wards of the State have benefited from the partnership, and they have a wealth of success stories.
COJO works closely with CPFSA to identify exceptional students who need financial assistance to further their educational pursuits. This year, the non-profit awarded scholarships totalling US$25,000 to six outstanding former wards of the State pursuing tertiary studies at institutions islandwide.
One such awardee, Adrianna Parchment, who shared her story at COJO’S 24th annual scholarship gala and awards ceremony at the Hilton JFK Hotel in New York, this past Saturday night, said the scholarship has helped her realise her dreams.
A recipient of a US$5,000 scholarship to the University of Technology, Jamaica, Parchment, a third-year computer science student, chronicled her journey into State care.
She shared that after her father’s passing in 2012 — a man who was the sole provider for her and her siblings — family members pitched in but four girls were not easy to take on.
She was introduced to the CPFSA in sixth form, when the children became wards of the State. It was through her interaction with CPFSA that she was introduced to the COJO programme.
Gage-grey said that through COJO’S contribution, the children under State care have gained self-confidence, and many have excelled in their studies.
The other 2018 scholarship awardees are currently pursuing studies in social work, computer science, education, business administration, and accounting at Mico University College; Moneague College; Northern Caribbean University; and The University of the West Indies.
The brainchild of chairman and founder Gary Williams, COJO has as its mission helping to improve the health, education and general well-being of less fortunate children. Since its inception in 1994, it has dedicated its resources — human and financial — to help make a difference in the lives of underserved children in Jamaica, as well as the United States of America. For more than a decade, the organisation’s funding has benefited such Jamaican institutions as the Alpha Boys’ Home, the Glenhope Place of Safety (for girls) and the Young Men’s Christian Association.
Its work was lauded by consul general of Jamaica, New York, Trudy Deans, who praised Williams’ astute leadership and dedication to Jamaica’s youth.
“This unwavering commitment is representative of the [work of the] Jamaican diaspora in the US,” Deans said. “We possess the natural urge and desire to give back to the country which has moulded us into what we are today.”
She said COJO’S mission and vision in focusing on the education, health and well-being of the underserved is remarkable.
“Though physically separated from our homeland, Jamaica, you have never hesitated to extend your vision to new opportunities for those residing there and contributing selflessly towards enhancing the quality of life in the betterment of our children,” she said.
Deans said she was especially heartened by the partnership with the CPFSA, “in doing so, this demonstrates true commitment to the cause — seeing to the well-being of our children”.
For his part, Minister of Education, Youth and Information Senator Ruel Reid encouraged members of the diaspora to continue to invest in the country, explaining that children remain priority number one for his Government.
“Our mission is to improve the health, care and general well-being of underprivileged children,” Reid said, adding that the Government was open to making it easier for charitable donations to reach those in need.
Meanwhile, Williams has pledged to continue the work of COJO, which has donated in excess of US$500,000 in scholarships and school supplies to deserving individuals since its inception.
“When we transform the lives of children in need, we guarantee a better future for the whole world,” he said.
Funds for the COJO scholarships are raised throughout the year, and culminate in the annual fundraising gala held in December. The organisation relies on individual and collective support, whether by making tax deductible donations or volunteering time.