CPFSA to Host Annual PEP Awards Ceremony Recognizing Academic Excellence Among Children in State Care

Kingston, Jamaica: The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is set to honour the academic achievements of children in State care at its annual Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards ceremony on August 15. The event, which will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, celebrates the success of students who have excelled in the PEP exam and are poised to transition to high school in September 2024.

This year’s ceremony underscores the CPFSA’s unwavering commitment to education and its role in providing positive reinforcement to young scholars who have faced significant challenges. A total of 145 students will be recognised, with special accolades reserved for 39 students who achieved scores of 300 points and above. The event will also highlight the top-performing boy and girl from each of CPFSA’s four regions, as well as the overall top boy and girl across the island.

Kristen Laing, Public Relations and Communications Manager at the CPFSA, expressed the agency’s pride in the students’ accomplishments. “The CPFSA is immensely proud of our young students, and we are honoured to be able to highlight them and their hard work through our PEP awards ceremony,” she told JIS News. “This event not only celebrates the academic achievements of our children in State care but also reaffirms our commitment to their future success.”

The ceremony, which begins at 10:00 a.m., will feature key stakeholders, including the Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams. The gathering is expected to be a powerful testament to the dedication of the students, their caregivers, and educators, all of whom have played pivotal roles in their academic journeys.

“As we honour these bright young minds, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and the importance of support systems in helping them reach their full potential,” Ms. Laing added. “This ceremony is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our children, caregivers, and educators to their academic success, and it also symbolises the CPFSA’s ongoing efforts to foster hope, confidence, and a bright future for all our youth.”

The CPFSA remains committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of children in State care through a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support their growth. This PEP awards ceremony is just one of many efforts by the agency to prepare these young individuals for a successful future.