By Marsha Gittens
THE 2020 recipients of the Rotary Club of Barbados West’s scholarship programme have been encouraged to make the best use of the opportunity afforded to them as they pursue tertiary level studies.
Education Minister, Santia Bradshaw offered this advice as she addressed Monday’s proceedings in the Media Resources Department’s conference room at the Ministry of Education headquarters.
The two scholarship recipients are Jacqueline Ford and Niann Thompson. Ford, who is 19 years old, attended the Arthur Smith Primary School and the Christ Church Foundation School. Meanwhile, Thompson, who is 18 years old, is a past pupil of St. Albans Primary School, the Coleridge and Parry School and the Combermere School.
“I note that both recipients are pursuing studies in areas which are a benefit to the national development of our country. Miss Ford will be pursuing a Bachelors of Ecology and Miss Thompson will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and it is my hope that on completion of the programme of studies that they will both come back and impart to others the knowledge that they would have gained. As I always encourage others, I will do so to you as well, your responsibility is first to country and to make sure that you are able to lend a helping hand to others who may not be as fortunate as you are today,” she said.
Bradshaw on the occasion also thanked the Rotary Club of Barbados West for making the scholarship available. She stated, “The Rotary Club’s investment in this island’s education is welcomed and we greatly appreciate the value which you have been placing on giving back to society and in particular on education. This aligns well with my Ministry’s mission to ensure equitable access to all citizens thus maximising their full potential.”
After accepting her award, Ford said she was appreciative of the scholarship and she is “eagerly looking forward to commencing my new academic year at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and I definitely intend to give of my best”.
Thompson similarly expressed gratitude while stating, “It has and will always be my goal to make my mother and family proud and with the assistance offered to me I know that I am going to continue to achieve and to do my very best.”
The Rotary Club of Barbados West’s scholarship programme is financially supported by Diamonds International and Sandy Lane Gold Classic as well as corporate and individual contributors.