High schools get refreshing cash boost from Pepsi
EVEN during a period of economic challenges, Pepsi Cola Jamaica continues to demonstrate a commitment to supporting projects that encourage Jamaican students in their efforts to be excellent and achieve success. It was with great pleasure and pride that the principals and students of Garvey Maceo and St Catherine high schools each accepted a cash award for $250,000 from Pepsi Cola Jamaica as part of the company’s Pepsi Club programme for schools.
“We are truly grateful for Pepsi Cola Jamaica especially as the company has enabled deserving schools to share in the proceeds of the increased sales of their products,” said Mrs Valda Gayle, principal for Garvey Maceo after the presentation at her school recently. “An initiative such as this again demonstrates the possibilities for synergies between the private sector and educational institutions. The presence and genuine interest of Mr Reid and the other senior managers from Pepsi are a clear indication of the company’s desire to assist.” Mrs Gayle said the funds given to Garvey Maceo will be used for upgrading the water storage systems that are so necessary for that school’s agriculture education programmes.
The Pepsi Club is a school-based programme that is a central part of Pepsi’s efforts to support and encourage young Jamaicans in their quests for excellence and achievement. Speaking to the Garvey Maceo students at their morning assembly, Mr Reid encouraged them to always strive for success and assured them of his company’s willingness to provide support and assistance for the school’s endeavours. He said, “We are pleased to be able to help the schools with projects that will ensure that students can enjoy a well-rounded, wholesome and healthy school life.”
St Catherine High principal Mr Marlon Campbell indicated that there are a number of projects at the school that are potential beneficiaries of the Pepsi award. While he thought it was likely that the funds would be used for improvements to student’s bathrooms, head boy Orane Wint expressed the hope that the school’s internet café could now be upgraded.
All schools across the island have an opportunity to participate in the Pepsi Club programme which has been in place for seven years. The Pepsi Club is just one of many programs that Pepsi Cola Jamaica has implemented in order to provide assistance to schools and to recognise the achievements of students. The programme provides the opportunity for schools to earn cash awards for the funding and sponsorship of school activities based on their level of purchases of Pepsi products. There are two categories for awards – total volume of purchases and level of incremental increase in volumes purchased over the previous year. For 2009, St Catherine High achieved the overall highest volume of Pepsi products sold in the school’s canteens, while Garvey Maceo High School topped the category for greatest percentage gain in products sold for the year.
Other programmes with which Pepsi is affiliated that benefit Jamaican secondary schools include the Gatorade Record Breakers Awards, the 7Up High School Art Competition and the Manning & DaCosta Cup School Boy Football competitions.