KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support educational advancement, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security has partnered with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) to establish a new scholarship program targeting secondary school students whose parents participate in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP).
This initiative, commemorating six decades of SAWP’s operation, will distribute ten scholarships valued at J$115,000 each to eligible students. The financial assistance is designated to cover critical educational expenses including textbooks, uniforms, examination fees, transportation, and daily meal costs during the academic year.
The scholarship program is funded through a CAD $10,000 contribution from OFVGA, reflecting the agricultural association’s commitment to supporting the families of Jamaican workers who have been instrumental to Ontario’s agricultural productivity. Benjamin Murray, OFVGA Communications Advisor, emphasized that Jamaican workers have formed the foundation of Ontario’s harvest operations for sixty years, making this educational initiative a meaningful investment in the communities that sustain Canada’s agricultural sector.
Pearnel Charles Jr, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, highlighted the transformative impact of overseas employment on Jamaican families, noting that the scholarships represent a tangible recognition of parents’ sacrifices and hard work. The program aims to convert parental dedication into educational opportunities for their children, ultimately expanding horizons for the next generation.
Selection of recipients will occur through a randomized draw from qualified applicants who meet specific criteria. Eligibility requirements mandate that applicants must be biological children or legal dependents of SAWP participants, enrolled in recognized Jamaican secondary institutions, and maintain a minimum B academic average. Additionally, their parents or guardians must have completed at least three consecutive years in SAWP with the same Ontario employer while maintaining good employment standing.
The application window will remain open from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with successful candidates notified and awards distributed in August 2026 prior to the commencement of the new school year.