SVG Friendship Foundation donates to athletes, aspiring musicians, needy students

The SVG Friendship Foundation officially launched its charitable organization this week with a bang, gifting 38 students monetary donations, sports equipment and grants to pursue music classes.

The Foundation was established in October last year and the official public launch was held on Thursday February, 22, 2024 at the NIS Conference Room attended by trustees, students and parents.

The Foundation is the brainchild of the High Commissioner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Cenio Lewis and is headed by trustees Sir Louis Straker, Stewart Haynes and Mineva Glasgow.

Cassiana Snagg of the Leeward Seventh Day Adventist Primary School receives her academic donation from Culzac Providence.

Sir Louis said the Foundation decided to branch out with its donations to include music and sports grants which they recognize as areas where Vincentian youth have the potential to excel.

“We do that because we want to make sure we have students here who are inclined to learn music. One of the things we are short on in SVG is people who can play music by reading music… because they do not have the formal training to do it,” Sir Louis said.

“In the area of sports we have many good athletes in the rural areas. Many of them cannot practice and perfect their skills because there is a lack of resources to pay transportation and buy the necessary equipment and uniforms.”

Those who received donations under the athletes grant were gifted money, in addition to sports shoes and gear; while those under the music grant are being trained under the guidance of Kevin Jackson, Director of the Oasis School of Music.

Students were also awarded academic grants, in the sum of EC$200 in cash, as well additional vouchers for school supplies worth EC$200.

“We have those parents who are struggling to help their children in the schools. We know some parents have five, six and seven children and it is very difficult to meet the needs of your children when you have so many of them.”

The Foundation is also expected to make an additional monetary donation before the start of the new school year.

“It is not easy to solicit funds, it is like pulling teeth. Some people just don’t care about giving out their resources. These people have been working hard to ensure this program can remain, ” Sir Louis told the students, revealing that the funds to assist students come from donors in Egypt and Germany.

The Foundation’s UK representative, Culzac Providence in his remarks told students the investment being made in their future is an indication that they are “not alone”.