Buju Banton Provides Scholarship At His Alma Mater In Honour Of His Mom

Dancehall legend Buju Banton is once again doing his part to help eradicate poverty in Jamaica. He has announced that he has established a scholarship in honour of his mother Murdine Clarke.

The scholarship, named the Murdine Clarke Scholarship, was set up at his alma mater Denham Town High School. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie has revealed that the scholarship will be awarded to financially challenged boys at the school who persevere in pursuing their education in spite of poverty that they face.

A ffifteen-year-old boy is the first to be awarded the scholarship. His name is Tajay Bailey and according to reports he is an exemplary student who thrives academically and it was noted that he is also respectful to school officials and peers. The teen’s mother is sick and his father is no longer alive.

Bailey who lives with his grandmother will receive about JMD $100,000 for the school supplies.

Buju Banton said that Bailey was an example of the type of youth that he intends to help as he also comes from a background of poverty. “Born in abject poverty, I know what it is for a child to go without basic needs. I also know what it is to be a youth with big dreams and lots of determination but unable to achieve your destiny, due to lack of a helping hand. For this reason, I established the Buju Banton Foundation to ensure those youths have equal opportunities to succeed,” he said in a release.

Banton has always lamented the divide in classes in Jamaica and the fact that many people are poor and have no real shot at living a good life. He’s been vocal about it and even commented on the situation through his music. In Untold Stories he sings:“ Opportunity a scarce, scarce commodity in these times I say. When mama spend her last and send you go class, never you ever play. It’s a competitive world for low- budget people, spending a dime while earning a nickel…”

The scholarship presentation was made last Friday, August 14, at the Gargamel Music Inc in St Andrew. Banton also expressed to the teen that he admired his tenacity and hoped that he would go on to do positive things: “I am proud of you. At your age, as a student at Denham Town High School, I recalled sometimes going without due to my family’s financial challenges. Despite this, I had great dreams and ambitions of a successful career as a musician and remained focused on that goal. Take all the subjects taught at school seriously, especially writing and accounting, as those will prepare you to successfully function in the working world.”

Bailey, who was grateful for the opportunity also expressed that he intends to make the most out of the chance that he has been given: “I am happy and feel blessed for being gifted the prestigious Murdine Clarke Scholarship. I will remain focused on my studies, as I look forward to serving Jamaica as a meteorologist,” the scholarship winner said.

The principal of the school, Donovan Hunter also expressed his gratitude towards Banton. “Our school, more so its students, will benefit from this wonderful scholarship from the great Buju Banton and the Buju Banton Foundation. We are grateful for his support. Though born in abject poverty, Buju Banton overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve prosperity. Many students born in the same socio-economic situation are motivated by him. We are thankful that he is a past student of Denham Town High School. He is one who has not forgotten his roots. We want more former students to do likewise,” he said.