By Lila Jones | Project Associate
ROMILLA is 12 years old. She is brilliant. She is poor. Romilla's goal is to become Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Romilla is one of hundreds of disadvantaged children who will benefit the CEF Learning & Technology Center for Youth when it opens in June 2014 in Kingston, Jamaica! Romilla has no access to technology at home. There is no computer or internet access. At high school, there are a small number of computers, and students on Romilla's grade level do not have access. With meaningful access to technology, we do not know if Romilla will continue on the path of politics or engage in technological endeavors as a profession. It is very early and she is young, but either way, Romilla is determined to excel. The latest Grade Report shows she is an "A" student in high school.
You may have previously seen our 25 Caribbean Education Foundation (CEF) Scholarship recipients' photographs and names, and even read some of their biographies. But, you have not read their own hand-writings and see their reasoning and critical thinking skills. Romilla’s essay provides this insight.
Romilla is currently in Grade 7 at Ardenne High, a top public high school in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2013, Romilla was awarded a CEF Paul Bogle Scholarship for the 2013-2014 year, so that she could attend high school. Public High school is NOT FREE in Jamaica. High School begins in Grade 7. As an "A" student and "Prefect", in June 2013, Romilla graduated from St. Peter Claver Primary School, which is located in a rough inner-city neighborhood in Kingston. Romilla's mother is a "working-poor" Seamstress, as she only earns $200 U.S. dollars per month, the minimum wage in Jamaica. Public High school costs $1,500 U.S. dollars each year to attend.
The following Essay in attachment is 1 of 4 essays that Romilla wrote in her CEF Scholarship Application.
QUESTION: What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
As you read in her essay, Romilla is critically thinking about professions that are in shortage in Jamaica; and where her skills could best help to develop the country. In this vein, she aims to be Prime Minister, with an articulate and life-changing platform of access to free education for all. It is evident that Romilla has a humanitarian heart and wants to use her gifts and opportunities to help others.
There is an enormous shortage of people in technology in Jamaica, primarily due to a lack of exposure and access. Once Romilla gains access, exposure and skills in technology through CEF Learning & Technology Center, the sky will be her limit.
Thank you for your generosity in helping Romilla and hundreds of poor children like her to have access to technology, and opportunities to transform their lives.
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