Thirteen students, who will attend secondary school in September, have received scholarships from the National Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. (NCCU).
The students are Heimish Blaize of Stock Farm, who received the NCCU Merit Scholarship; Giovanni Matthew of St. Joseph, who was awarded the Shand Jolly Merit Scholarship and Shanelle Bethelmie of Stock Farm and Heskeith Roberts of Silver Lake, who both received Hudson Savarin Scholarships. Elijah Durand of Trafalgar, Nehemiah Isles of Morne Prosper, Jonel Laville of Pichelin, and Terrylle Rolle of Wotten Waven were awarded Edward Elwin Scholarships. Neguel George of Elmshall copped the Kenneth Anthony Richards Scholarship, while the Ambrose Cuffy Memorial Scholarship went to Alia Stephenson of Riviere Cyrique. Ersha Joseph of Dos D’Ane received the Vernice Bellony Scholarship. The Marie Wilkins Scholarship was received by Kimara Panthier of Pointe Michel and Jeffrick Joseph of Petite Soufriere was awarded the Johnson Joseph George Thomas Scholarship.
The scholarships, awarded to children of the members of NCCU, include provision of text books and other school supplies to a maximum of $700, an annual allowance for uniform of $300 per student, payment of school fees ranging from $50 to $525, provision of a monthly transportation allowance ranging from $50 to $80 per student where applicable, payment of CXC examination fees at 5th form based on recommendations from the school, and payment of CSEC examination fees for 3rd formers, upon school recommendations.
NCCU President, Josephine Dublin, stated that the granting of scholarships to deserving students allows the establishment to fulfill cooperative principles, invest in the development of society, and show appreciation for NCCU members.
“Our annual scholarship program is consistent with two of our seven cooperative principles, namely education training and information, and concern for the community,” Dublin noted. “The annual awarding of secondary school scholarships is the NCCU Ltd.’s way of investing in the human resource potential of our society, while expressing gratitude to our valued membership.”
She gave the assurance that the cooperative will remain committed to the development of Dominican youth and encouraged the awardees to perform well academically.
“We encourage you students to focus on your studies, and continue to have your parents beaming with pride as a result of your hard work and anticipated good performance,” she advised. “Your journey has just begun.”
Davia Shillingford, Mother of Shand Jolly Scholarship recipient, Giovanni Matthew, said that she will ensure that her son works to maintain the much-appreciated scholarship.
“As a parent, I no longer have to worry about tuition and things of that nature. My family and I are truly pleased,” Shillingford commented. “And, to honour this scholarship, I’m going to ensure that my son studies and maintains the scholarship.”
It was revealed that over $400,000 has been spent by the NCCU, in contribution to the academic development of children on-island.
The NCCU has awarded scholarships to fifty-nine students in total since 2010—fifty-seven of whom are attending secondary school while two attend the Dominica State College (DSC).
The Kenneth Anthony Richards and Johnson Joseph George Thomas Scholarships were introduced this year.
Davia Shillingford, congratulations your son won the Shand Jolly scholarship. I wish both of you well. As a concerned mother as you stated, you will ensure that he excels. Winning the scholarship is a sign that he is a smart young man.
Shand Louis Jolly was a no nonsense man. As intelligent as he was, he was as disciplined and strict. His students knew this very well. Some, in those days got the strap. As it is said, he was from the old school, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”
He took his teaching career seriously. In fact, he loved teaching and would also give after school lessons to young students who were a bit slow of learning.
I have had the opportunity to meet some of his students. Some obtained higher education to attend universities. Every one of them is courteous/respectable people, ladylike and gentlemanly. This is saying much for him and more. . . .
His memory will live on through these scholarships. RIP. God bless his soul!
Congratulations to all of you students. You must be intelligent ones to receive a scholarship each. We know you will study diligently and make the grades to graduation.
God bless you all.
Congratulations Neguel! Make us proud and DONT lose that scholarship. Work hard.
Labour Ka Twavay
Congrats Neguel! !! May God continue to bless and quide you through out your endeavors.
NCCU must be praised for these great grants!
Nothing for laplaine students.. scholarship not good for us? Hmmmmmm.
Do not feel bad. Hopefully next time.
good job NCCU