Technical College students to vie for National Scholarships

Students of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (formerly the Technical College) of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College will now be considered for national scholarships.{{more}}

Previously, only students in the Division of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of the college were considered, but now that there is a marriage between that division and the division of Technical Vocational Education, national scholarships will be granted to all students of the College.

Chief Education Officer, Susan Dougan, made the announcement last Thursday, June 25, as she updated the graduates of the Technical division on the Ministry’s plans at their graduation and prize-giving ceremony, which took place at the New Testament Church of God at Wilson Hill and held under the theme: “Transforming today’s youths into tomorrow’s men and women”.

The Chief noted that far too often students attend the A’level Division of the College just because their friends go there or to grasp the opportunity to secure a national scholarship, even though they are interested in technical or vocational education. That will now be a thing of the past, Dougan said, as the way has been paved to allow students the opportunity to write A’ Levels and still have access to the programs offered at the Technical division.

Dougan also beseeched the graduates to use the skills and knowledge gained during their tenure at the College to help improve the standard of Technical Vocational Education in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Dougan said during a recent visit to St Lucia, she formulated a plan for this country in relation to the Technical Division. During that visit, Dougan said, the Canadian Government signaled their intentions to pump $50 million into Technical Vocation Education in the Caribbean.

Delivering the Dean’s report, a jubilant Joseph Mapp said that the division is on course to accomplish great things in the years to come. He noted that 287 students entered the division last September, making it the largest intake in the history of the division. The overall student count stands at 409.

Mapp expressed his desire to have another Information Technology Unit erected on the school’s compound to house the 32 brand new computers which were recently donated. He further noted that of the nine programs currently offered at the division, each has the potential to become a centre of excellence.

However, on that day, the spotlight belonged to Alanda Moses from the Agriculture Program, who copped the award of Student of the Year. Delivering her valedictory speech, Moses sent a strong message for the other graduates. “It is our mission as youths to change the face of agriculture in St Vincent. Too long we have been laid back and it is time to stop thinking that agriculture is a dirty job,” Moses declared.

She thanked God for standing by her side through the good and bad times and also lauded her lecturers for their unwavering support. She also implored her fellow graduates to use their acquired skills to further develop the country.

Guest speaker Phillip Jackson, Science and Technology Coordinator in the Ministry of Telecommunication told the graduates to dream big while they are still young, but also to be willing to sacrifice and compromise in the pursuit of their dreams.

Other students were also awarded for outstanding academic and sporting achievements.(KW)