Kingston, Jamaica - Thursday, May 19:  The Sagicor Foundation partnered with the True United Sisters (TUS) for a second year as the charitable organization hosted its 2nd annual Rising to the Top Against All Odds awards ceremony. Held at the Bethel Baptist Church in Bog walk, St. Catherine on Thursday, May 19, ten students were recognized and awarded for their top performance in the 2020/2021 academic year. Ten tablets and ten gift baskets were given to the primary and secondary school students courtesy of the Sagicor Foundation.

TUS, which was founded in 2005, is a registered charitable organization that focuses on uplifting and assisting children, seniors, at-risk youth and unemployed or unskilled single mothers. The initiative was birthed after Founder and Executive Director of TUS, Karen Sudu noticed that students were still performing on a high level despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Paired with wanting to do something special for Child’s Month, the programme was launched. Each year, five students are selected from the Grade 5, primary level while the other five are selected from the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level. 
“This year’s theme of overcoming challenges with hard work and sacrifice was a fitting one. That’s exactly what these children have done. To be selected, primary school students must have an average of 85% or more and secondary students must have obtained 7 or more CSEC subjects including Mathematics and English. We’re very proud of all our awardees, as many of them did not have internet at home or devices to work from and they still performed exceptionally,” Shared Sudu, who is also a Sagicor Community Hero. The philanthropist also expressed gratitude to the Sagicor foundation for their support of the programme.
Education is a key area of focus for the Sagicor Foundation and the organization has done several initiatives geared towards supporting the bright and talented minds of young Jamaicans.

Fabian Gordon, Sagicor Life Advisor, who was one of the event’s guest speakers, expressed his appreciation for TUS’s efforts.  “We are really inspired by the work being done by the True United Sisters and applaud them for the years of charity and selfless service and contribution to their community. Our children deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and the Sagicor Foundation is happy to play our part in recognizing the sacrifices they have made to achieve all their accomplishments.” 
Kendra Blake, who was awarded for her 5th form achievements at St. Jago High student, encouraged her peers to push through despite the difficulties they may face. “It has not been easy for me. Losing my mom in 2nd form and then my dad in 5th form meant that I had to find a way to stay motivated. With prayer, support from my family and wanting to make my parents proud, I found a way. I just want to tell other students who are in a similar situation to just get it done, don’t overthink, and pray. You will succeed.”
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