VincyCares disburses scholarship payments to Secondary School students

VincyCares has made a disbursement of 23 scholarship payments to students for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The five-year secondary school scholarships are disbursed annually. Seventeen of the students are prior recipients who are moving on to higher forms, and six are new recipients going from primary school into secondary school, a release from the organisation states.

The ceremony, held at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall on July, 13, was opened with prayer by parent Marva Shallow-Haynes, followed by brief remarks from the president Gillian Arthur.

Arthur, in an emotional speech, shared how much the board is committed to the mission of the organization, and seeing how many families are benefiting makes the hard work worthwhile. VincyCares Inc., is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give back to less fortunate children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by providing an avenue whereby all children will be able to attend secondary school on a level playing field.

Arthur encouraged the students to look beyond their financial circumstances and aspire to achieve their dreams.

“These scholarships are donated by individuals in the Diaspora, as well as proceeds from fundraising events held by the organization. We hope that the financial assistance will help you achieve your dreams.”

Former scholarship recipients and recent graduates, Shazia Brown and Nyema Richards shared their experience with the students.

Shazia inspired them to “stay focused on your school work. You will have a lot of distractions and temptation. At times you will be burning the midnight oil and you will be very tired. You may want to give up sometimes, but keep your head high and push through.”

Nyema encouraged the students to make use of the opportunity given and had high praise for her sponsors, the Gibson sisters, with whom she has fostered a genuine bond.

“They encouraged me throughout the years and constantly stayed in touch. I am so grateful for building a lifelong relationship with them.”

She also thanked VincyCares for believing in her even when she did not believe in herself.

“We are dedicated and accountable to our sponsors. As such we are committed to the success of the students, and to support the parents in ensuring that their children do the best that they can,” founding member, Dahlia-Ann Howard-Lewis informed the students and parents.

s Howard-Lewis and Marcia Kirton-Caesar public relations officer, will serve as mentors for the students and the parents/guardians, to help ensure their success.

The scholarship recipients attend various secondary schools throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.