PORT ANTONIO, Portland — The inaugural Petal’s Variety Educational Grant was launched last Thursday at Royal Mall here, with the presentation of education grants valued at $500,000 to 35 students.

Fifteen secondary schools got $20,000 each, and 20 primary schools got $10,000 each.

Spokesperson for Petal’s Variety Store Limited, Garfield Fuller said, “This is the first year and it is a contribution towards nation-building and assisting the less fortunate to gain an education. “… School principals were involved in the selection process as we asked them to identify needy children who are academically inclined and the response was good. We hope to do this earlier next year and have a book grant so that they get a book voucher and go to a designated book store to get the books [before school reopens].”

Andrea Cummings, mother of Menae and Britnae McKenzie, was grateful for the education grant. “I am happy for this assistance as my two daughters go to Happy Grove and it is very difficult, so this will help us a far way,” Cummings said.

Her two daughters are on the honour roll at Happy Grove where one is in third form and the other is a fifth-former.

— Everard Owen