UTech nursing students get scholarships from nursing school graduates

Batch 25, a group of Kingston School of Nursing (KSN) graduates, presented scholarships valued at US$2,750 to five University of Technology, Jamaica nursing students who achieved academic merit during the academic years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. The scholarships were presented at a special ceremony hosted at the University’s Papine campus on Friday, January 19, 2024, to student recipients from the Caribbean School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences.

Caribbean School of Nursing students, Xao Haughton and Maryann Malcom, were awarded scholarships for the academic year 2022/2023, while nursing students Katanya Allen and Shautae Brown received scholarships for the academic year 2023/2024. Ramone Young received scholarships for both academic years.

Extending gratitude to the KSN graduates for their generous scholarship donation, president, University of Technology, Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown underscored the invaluable contribution nurses make to society, noting the need for Jamaica to produce a surplus of nurses to meet growing demands in the health sector, as nurses continue to leave the island for better job opportunities.

In addition to donating three annual scholarships to nursing students at UTech, Jamaica, Batch 25 provided the Spaulding Hospital with an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine and in collaboration with the Jamaica Nurses Association of South Florida donated materials, such as linen to local hospitals, among other charitable acts. It is their hope that scholarship awardees will continue their legacy of giving.

Ramone Young, president, University of Technology Association of Nursing and Midwifery, student club and two-time recipient of the scholarship, highlighted the students’ commitment to giving back. As part of its core mission, the student club has already begun philanthropic efforts, which include hosting health fairs and organising a drive to feed the homeless. This initiative benefitted more than 500 needy individuals.

Third-year nursing student, Xao Haughton, who responded on behalf of the scholarship recipients, expressed gratitude to the Batch 25 KSN graduates, and the group’s desire to continue its efforts. “We are looking forward to being a part of your organisation very soon and to give back just as how you have given us,” Haughton said.