Aspiring teacher in Jamaica wins inaugural PATH tertiary ICT scholarship

Kingston, Jamaica: A proud moment for the people of Jamaica, Shantel Williams, information and communications technology (ICT) teacher, is the first successful winner of the inaugural Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) tertiary ICT scholarship.

She expressed pleased at getting the chance to achieve her dream of furthering her education.

The soft-spoken 19-year-old stated that, after pausing college for two years owing due to financial difficulties, started on her studies this year in October, albeit late, at Church Teachers' College in Manchester.

Unfortunately, after a week at the institution, she was obliged to put her studies on hold, as the funds she had expected from the Students' Loan Bureau were not sanctioned.

An 19 years teenager, who dwells with her brother and mother who does janitorial work to provide for the family, has since gained a one-year deferral from the college and will resume her education in the 2021 academic year.

In particular time, Williams has been volunteering at Glenmuir Preparatory School in Clarendon.

She stated This scholarship means a lot to me to continue to pursue my study, and knowing that my family is struggling, this is very important to me, and I promise to do my best—this scholarship awards ceremony held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.

Williams was amongst a group of receivers, including 28 top-performing male and female Primary Exit Profile students islandwide, who received educational assistance from the Universal Service Fund (USF), through scholarships and grants.

The capital has invited and is still appealing to PATH high school students who are pursuing studies in the field of ICT to apply for one of the five new PATH scholarships that are prepared for this year, but so far, only Williams has triumphed.

"A big gratitude to USF from both my family and me, as this is truly an unbelievable blessing so that I can proceed to pursue my study, which I desired to do for so long," she ended with this note.