Eighteen Jamaican students return from Russia with engineering degrees

Eighteen Jamaican students are now back in Jamaica after completing engineering degrees at the Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The students were awarded fully funded scholarships by mining company UC Rusal Alumina Jamaica Ltd./WINDALCO in November 2021.

The company invested more than J$75 million in the international scholarship programme over the period. The graduates are now employed by the bauxite and mining company in the fields of process, instrument, mechanical, electrical, environmental and quality engineering.

In total, WINDALCO has now awarded scholarships to 48 Jamaican students to study in Russia as part of its international scholarship programme. The programme covers tuition, visas and airfare, a monthly stipend, winter clothing allowance, internships and medical insurance.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, environment engineer Jessica Lake said they were humbled and profoundly grateful to have benefitted from the world-class engineering programme, renowned for its precision and rigour.

“This sponsorship provided far more than financial relief; it opened doors to advanced facilities, cutting-edge research, and an environment that challenged us daily. It allowed us to train under exceptional academic standards, teaching us not only technical system analytics, but how to think like true engineers.”

She thanked WINDALCO for believing in their potential and for not only investing in their education but also empowering them to build a better future.

“The foundation you have built for us is the launching pad for what we hope will be long, impactful careers. We are fully committed to applying the knowledge, discipline, and global perspective we have gained to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and give back to our communities as generously as you have given to us.”

In welcoming the young engineers back home, WINDALCO’s Executive Director Aleksandr Shadskiy congratulated the batch and encouraged them to embrace the next phase of their lives with the courage and determination to achieve great things.

EXPERIENCES

Some of the students shared their experiences.

For Roanna Smith, studying was hard, especially because of the language barrier, and it got lonely several times, but it was rewarding.

“Outside of school, my time was peaceful and I genuinely enjoyed it. I’m thankful for the opportunity to earn a degree for free and to receive a job afterward,” Smith said.

Shejoun Huntley said that studying in Russia was one of the most important experiences, both personally and professionally. Moving from Jamaica to Russia meant adjusting to a completely different climate, language and culture. At first, even simple everyday activities required adjustment but, over time, Huntley became comfortable communicating in Russian, working in a different academic environment and building relationships with people from many different countries.

“That experience taught me how to adapt quickly and remain focused, even when placed outside of my comfort zone,” Huntley said, adding that, “Looking back, my years in Russia were challenging, but extremely valuable. I returned to Jamaica with more than a university degree. I returned with practical engineering experience, improved Russian language skills, international exposure, and a much broader understanding of the industrial environment.”

For Shaneilla Barker, studying in Krasnoyarsk was nothing short of amazing.

“The Polytechnic School is a powerhouse of engineering excellence, and being surrounded by such brilliant professors and dedicated peers pushed me to become a better student and a more resilient person,” she said.

“I am, and always will be, deeply grateful for the opportunity to have learned there. I left Russia with a diploma in one hand and a lifetime of memories in the other. The hearts of the people I met were incredibly warm and tender; I was constantly met with kindness that taught me about community and generosity.”