In 2009 scholarships were awarded to thirty three (33) High School students, book assistance given to ten (10) students in Lower Sixth and two (2) students in Upper Sixth Forms. Two (2) students also received special assistance which enabled them to remain in school.
The collaboration our Local Committee in Jamaica has with the students, parents, guidance counselors and principals; to motivate, provide economic assistance, conduct seminars, one on one mentoring, crisis intervention and career planning with the students is paying off big dividends. Students in the program who sat the CXC Exams were successful with grades higher than the national averages in the core subjects; Mathematics, English, Information Technology, Physics and Chemistry. This is an achievement we all can be proud of.
Two (2) students who were studying at Kettering University in Michigan graduated in December with high honors and degrees in Electrical and Industrial Engineering. They have both returned to Jamaica to join the work force.
Members of CCJ helped a past member of the organization, who hosted a teenager from Jamaica that needed surgery to correct scoliosis. See attachment.
In August we ventured on a new summer event, a "Midnight Cruise", a four hour party on the Spirit of Chicago. Thanks to your support this was a success and we plan to do it again. Our Gala in November had an attendance of over four hundred people and everyone reported having a wonderful time.
It is your support of these fundraising events that allows us to assist the students in the program. I had an opportunity to meet many of the students and they expressed how grateful they were for our help. The fact that they are all doing very well in school, speaks louder than their words.
God, whoever you perceive him/her to be, Bless you as you continue to Bless these children. Again thanks for your support and I hope you will continue or start to support the CCJ mission. Remember "Their Future Is In Our Hands".
Dawn Gayle daughter's Samoy Irvin was in need of spinal surgery. Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago offered to perform the surgery at not cost. Since they reside in Chester Castle District in Hanover, Jamaica, Dawn was responsible for their airfare and accommodation during their three-month stay in Chicago. In the summer of 2008, CCJ was contacted and one of its members gladly offered to house them for the three-month stay in the winter. While they were here, the organization and its members also contributed to their financial support.
