From brokenness to 'Best Dressed' scholarship | Danae Jones’ powerful testament

Despite these obstacles, her determination never wavered. She excelled academically, achieving outstanding results in her CSEC exams and later in CAPE, ultimately earning a scholarship that would change her life.

Originally from Portmore and later Kitson Town, St. Catherine, Jones watched many of her peers succumb to the pressures of teenage pregnancy and crime, witnessing education slip further away from their grasp. But where others saw inevitability, Jones saw opportunity. "I want to be that generational curse breaker," she would tell herself, "that seed for other persons to see me as an example."

Her commitment to education and the desire to serve as an example for others kept her focused on her long-term goals, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Central to her journey was the unwavering support of her mother, Jodian Brown, a vendor in downtown Kingston. When the pandemic forced Brown's business to a standstill, she demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness, using what little they had to get by. Her example of resilience became Jones' first lesson in overcoming hardship.

"I would take the little and turn it into much,” Brown said upon reflection.

Despite the challenges posed by online learning and limited resources, Jones excelled in her studies, earning seven grade ones in her CSEC exams, including three distinctions. She continued to impress with a remarkable 96% average in her CAPE exams, ultimately being named the top CAPE student at her school. “I know that it is not in my strength alone,” she said. “But with God, all things are possible.”

The Best Dressed Chicken Scholarship, which Jones received in recognition of her academic success and determination, marked a major turning point in her life. "I knew what this would do for me," she reflected, visibly emotional. "I knew that this would help to alleviate the financial burden." With the support of the scholarship, Jones was able to pursue her dream of studying Marketing at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.

Carla Seaga, CEO of the University of the West Indies Development Fund (UWIDEF), praised Jones as an example of how private sector support can have a profound impact on young people’s lives.

"UWIDEF relies on the generous support of the private sector. We are a vehicle to make dreams come true but can only do this with support from organizations such as the Best Dressed Chicken," said Seaga. "The Best Dressed Scholarship program aligns with UWIDEF's vision to make access to tertiary education a reality."

Ava Sinclair, Marketing Manager at The Best Dressed Chicken, also expressed pride in supporting Jones, emphasizing the company’s dedication to empowering youth and aligning their efforts with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. “Danae embodies resilience and ambition,” Sinclair said.

Looking back at the broken phone that once threatened her education, Jones sees more than just a challenge overcome. She sees a testament to faith, family support and the power of believing in something greater than circumstance. It's this unwavering faith, combined with grit and grace that has brought Danae Jones from Kitson Town to UWI, from brokenness to scholarship, from dreaming to doing.