All students sitting for the GSATs in March 2010 who attend Sandy Bank Primary school are eligible to compete for a Treasure Beach Foundation scholarship. These scholarships are valued at more than $2,000 U.S. per year per student and cover the cost of books, school supplies, transportation, various lab fees, uniforms, shoes, lunches, and snacks.

We have awarded 22 scholarships so far, and some of our students are already in their fourth (out of seven) year of studies. Our scholarship students are attending Black River High, Hampton School, Munro College, and STETHS.

To learn more about how to apply for one of the new scholarships that will be awarded for the 2010-11 school year, interested students and their parent or guardian should attend the meeting this Thursday, 12 November, at 3:15 p.m. at Sandy Bank. The meeting is expected to last for a hour, and there will be an opportunity to have any questions answered.

Where does all the money for these scholarships come from. It sounds like an enormous cost. I thought public schools in Jamaica were free. Are these students going to private school?

These students are going to public schools. Our costs have come down a bit in the last few years because the Government of Jamaica stopped charging tuition (yes!) for the public school students, but all the other costs make it exceedingly difficult for a family to provide an education for their children.

The money for the scholarships comes from donations. These are mainly from the U.S., Canada, and England; but people from many other countries also send what they can.

We run an annual villa raffle which really helps us raise funds. With respect to this, we get numerous donations to enhance the "villa package" from people who live in Treasure Beach. The Treasure Beach Women's Group has also helped us.

People can donate as little as $5 online. The Web site accepts any currency. Several people have chosen to make an automatic monthly or quarterly donation this way.

See www.treasurebeachfoundation.org.

some cant aford to send there children to school. This is a valuble servise.

TBF BIG UPS to you guys. This is just great.

Education is the key and the only way out and these young men and women needs all the help they can get.

Public school education in JA is by no way free.

I know it cost my parents a boat load of $$$ when I was attending MC.