The Manchester Co-operative Credit Union (1977) Limited (MCCU) celebrated academic excellence and invested in the future of young Jamaicans at its 2026 PEP Bursary Awards Luncheon, held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Neil’s Auditorium in Mandeville.
Held under the inspiring theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation,” the event brought together the PEP Bursary recipients, parents, guardians, educators, MCCU representatives and specially invited guests to honour 25 outstanding students who demonstrated academic achievement in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations and maintained a history of consistent saving pattern.
A total of Six Hundred & Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($625,000.00) was paid out to 25 students who received bursaries valued at $25,000.00 each. This provided them with financial aid as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey from primary to secondary school. This investment reinforces the Credit Union’s commitment to youth development and its continued efforts to empower the next generation.
The occasion was highlighted by a powerful keynote address from Mrs. Lorraine McLean, Regional Director, Jamaica Library Service, Region 5, who encouraged the awardees to recognise the opportunities before them and to remain committed to excellence throughout their educational journey. Speaking on the theme, Mrs. McLean highlighted the Jamaican proverb, ‘One, one cocoa full basket’ as she gave the awardees the charge to remain resilient by working consistently and diligently. She urged the students to fill their proverbial baskets through simple but meaningful habits, including completing homework, showing up early for school and doing a little extra reading to keep ahead of their classes. “Excellence is not about being perfect. Excellence is about showing up, being focus & driven and putting in the necessary work to achieve your best.”
Adding a special touch to the celebration was the musical selections by the 2026 Jamaica Gospel Star winner, Mrs. Chantal Smalling-Stephenson. Her uplifting renditions created an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration, captivating the audience and adding to the memorable experience for the awardees and guests
MCCU’s 2026 PEP Bursary Awards Luncheon stood as a testament to the Credit Union’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence, supporting education and empowering the next generation. As the students begin their secondary-school journey, MCCU trusts that the bursary will not only ease some of the financial demands associated with this transition but also inspire them to continue striving for excellence. Special thanks are extended to the following stakeholders for their individual contributions in making the event a success: to Mrs. Shelli-gaye Bignall, Director Career & Employment Services, NCU for creating a vibrant atmosphere as she led the audience through the programme. Mr. Alexander Bourne, 1st Vice President and Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Finance Manager for bringing greetings and well wishes, other members of the Board or Directors, Management Team, Staff Members, parents & guardians and the media representatives that were present (Television Jamaica & TLA Marketing) special thank you for making the dream a reality.