Generation Next Access awards bursaries to 27 students

Twenty-seven students have this year received bursaries from the Generation Next Access to College Education Program.

The initiative, the brainchild of senator Carlos James, was founded in 2013 with the aim to assist persons from vulnerable backgrounds in rural St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with a focus on youth development programmes.

Commenting at the handing over ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, Generation Next member Jodi Marshall said the organization provides opportunities for the advancement of at-risk youth through education, training and empowerment initiatives.

She noted they also have a focus on environmental programs.

Marshall noted that the organization has developed into a national initiative and senator James, though he has removed himself from the actual administrative process, is still integrally involved in raising funds.

She said that the Access to College Education Program, the group’s flagship program, has been implemented with the aim of providing financial assistance and equal opportunities to students from vulnerable communities who are desirous of attending college.

So far, over 100 students have benefitted, and this year, the number of persons given bursaries at one sitting has risen from around 20 to 27 for the academic year 2019/20.

Commenting at the handing over, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education Senator Deborah Charles said the initiative is about assisting young people to make something of themselves and become marketable.

She stressed the initiative was not about politics, while she urged the recipients to be determined, dedicated while feeling empowered.

“The bursary is empowering you and whatever little you are given is a way of empowering you to go on. Giving you the necessary tools you need so you can build on it,” said Charles.

James noted that the 27 recipients is in recognition of October 27, the date on which SVG attained independence.

He said that in 1979 SVG inherited only two major secondary educational institutions for a growing population and that has since been built upon.

“Our greatest accomplishment in 40 years is our advancement of young people, our human resource capital our education revolution, our investment in youth,” said James.