Their Stories
Mission: Nursing School
During our 2022 outreach, it was brought to our attention that there were ladies wanting to go to Nursing School who did not have the funds to do so. After some research, Missions of Virtue decided to take part in this yearly venture to sponsor two ladies to attend the Practical Nursing Program at the Distinction College in Jamaica. The estimated cost per lady is US$2,000 which covers registration, education supplies, and one year of schooling required to get Certification.
As a way to raise funds for this venture, Missions of Virtue has hosted a ”High Tea” fundraising event for the past two years where proceeds from the ticket sales go directly to supporting these women and their schooling. Click here for pictures of this event.
The recipients of the Nursing School MOV Scholarships are:
Deanna Dacas and Joniek McKenzie (2022)
Sabina McCarthy and Kaydia Budram (2023)
Learn more about their stories below:
Joniek McKenzie - HER STORY (2022)
Meet Joniek McKenzie. She currently lives in an area known as Tower Hill in Kingston, Jamaica. As a single mother of 2, she does all that she can to provide for her and her family, while living in a household of 6 with little space. Joniek has had a deep desire to be a nurse ever since she was a child, as from a young age she has had to take care of her mother. However, due to current financial difficulties and setbacks, her passion and goal has gone untouched and unrealized. Through this offer of sponsorship, her prayers are finally being answered.
Deanna Dacas - HER STORY (2022)
Deanna Dacas currently resides in Waterhouse in Kingston, Jamaica. As a 20 year old single mother, she lives in a household with 7 others and has had a passion and desire to become a nurse ever since she was a child. She grew up watching various medical shows on TV which only deepened her interest for the subject. Deanna’s family has always had financial difficulties, and although she did well in school, she still has not been able to find her way out of poverty. This opportunity, she says, could very well be the life line she needed to break free.
Kaydia Budram - HER STORY (2023)
Kaydia Budram, a young woman in her early 20s, currently lives at home with her mother and 2 children. Her source of income and hope for further education abruptly ended when her father passed away. Kaydia was always interested in Nursing as a profession and had the basic qualifications needed to pursue this further, but with no funds, she had given up hope. This scholarship has reignited her dream once more about pursuing her studies in the medical field, making it that much more of a reality.
Sabrina McCarthy - HER STORY (2023)
Sabrina McCarthy is a single mother in her late 30’s with 2 children who are middle-school-aged. With no GED, she did not have much hope of formal employment. Sabrina works as a bartender as a way to subsidize the financial help she receives for her children. As she had always loved helping people, this scholarship will provide not just the foundation and formal education needed to pursue a career in Nursing, but also an avenue to fulfill her dream and increase her sense of worth.
