Original (en)

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nominations are now open for WATA’s Hydrate to Educate initiative, with the 2026 programme set to invest more than $12 million in educational support and school development across Jamaica. Hydrate to Educate will provide direct financial assistance to 30 secondary-level students, each receiving $200,000 to help with the cost of school-related expenses, such as tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other educational needs. Fourteen schools will also benefit from grants to support campus development projects, with five schools in western parishes receiving $1 million each and an additional nine schools across the island receiving $200,000. Brittany Thwaites, brand manager of the WATA portfolio at Wisynco Group, said Hydrate to Educate continues to be guided by the belief that access to education should be supported at both the student and school level. “Hydrate to Educate is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their education with the support they need. Each year, we see how much this assistance means to students, families and schools, and we are proud to continue expanding the programme in a way that reaches more communities across Jamaica,” Thwaites said. She noted that the 2026 programme also comes at an important time for schools in sections of western Jamaica that are working to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. “For 2026, we also wanted to ensure that support is extended to schools in western parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Education is one of the strongest foundations for recovery and progress, and through this initiative, WATA is helping to create more supportive spaces for students to learn, grow and move forward,” Thwaites added. Student nominations are open to individuals from all parishes and may be submitted by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, community members or others who can speak to a student’s need for support. Submissions should outline the student’s financi