SVGCC students receive bursaries from ECGC

Eight students at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College – Division of Technical and Vocational Education (SVGCC-DTVE) have received two-year bursaries from the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) Foundation.

At a handing over ceremony at the college last Wednesday, dean of the SVGCC-DTVE Osborne Bowens noted that the donation was a deepening of the relationship between both institutions.{{more}}

He thanked the ECGC Foundation for extending a helping hand to needy students at the school and implored the students to make good use of the help they received.

“At the end of the day, make the ECGC Foundation proud,” Bowens stated.

Chief executive officer of ECGC and chair of the ECGC Foundation Osmond Davy said that while the company is a business, they also make contributions to society in whatever way they can.

He noted that they have always involved themselves in sports and cultural activities, such as Carnival; however, he wanted an initiative that would permanently impact the younger generation.

“But those were very short-term and they really benefit a particular sector of the country. My thought was that we need to be more responsible and look at the young generation.”

Davy indicated that two years ago he asked the board of ECGC for permission to form and get funding for the Foundation. He noted that the organization was formed to serve two main purposes — health and education.

Davy said that it was decided by the Foundation that a lot of attention should be given to the SVGCC-DTVE because of all the technical work done by the ECGC.

“We have noted over the years, there has been some shortcomings in having young technical able-bodied persons coming to the forefront that would deliver quality service,” he stated.

Davy said not only would these students be recipients of bursaries, but they also have the opportunity to become employed with the company after they finish their education.

The chair of the Foundation, like Bowens, implored the students not to waste the opportunity that they have been given.

“We can provide funds, but beyond that you have to do your best,” he said.

THE ECGC Foundation made its first donation earlier this year to three individuals in need of educational assistance. (CM)