A student from Soufriere, who wants to be a doctor, is the first ever recipient of a full scholarship from a New York based non- profit Organization.
Evonna Johnique Renault, a first former of the Convent High School, will receive a five year scholarship from the Dominica-American Relief and Development Association (DARDA) Agatha Shillingford Scholarship fund.
The scholarship will cover school fees, books, transportation, exam fees for subjects approved by the school, uniform allowance and extracurricular activities (sports or music) endorsed by the school.
Speaking to DNO Renault said she is grateful and will strive for excellence because he goal is to become a doctor.
‘I heard about the scholarship when the summer break was close to finishing,” she said. “And when I went to my sister’s work place and she told me I got the scholarship I was so happy I am willing to do my best ….I want to become a Gynecologist’.
She said she is the youngest in a single parent family of five.
Representative of DARDA, Cecilia Mc Inyre said the association is happy to assist Renault and pointed out that the scholarship fund was established to commemorate the outstanding work of Ms. Agatha Shillingford in the area of education in Dominica. She noted that the association will be supporting Renault throughout the program to ensure that she succeeds.
Mc Intyre said the organization has initiated several projects in the past.
“The most rewarding are the annual Christmas toy drive, which yields hundreds of toys for the underprivileged children of Dominica, and The School Supply Drive which provides underprivileged children in Dominica with school supplies for the academic year,” She said.
She stated that in the coming year DARDA will focus on a new initiative of computerizing of Dominica’s libraries.
The Association’s mission are to provide aid to the underprivileged people of Dominica in the areas of health, education and social welfare so as to strengthen their communities, expand opportunities, and enhance their quality of life.
They also aid victims of natural disasters in Dominica and the region, to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Dominica in North America.
The organization was formed on June 28, 1981 by a group of concerned Dominicans living in and around the New York area.
We are proud of this young student,who has set herself a goal that is doable.We wish her well in her studies. To Priscilla, an employee of ours, we want her to keep the faith!
thanks to every one who told me congrats and i will do my best 4 a brighter future…..
I no the young girl, she really deserves this scholarship and that is how scholarship should be disburse to the needy. But hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I wish her good luck in her studies.
Does anyone know the Family of this little girl? It’s a splendid achivement – a first (to the best of my knowledge) from my picturesque village down south. Strive hard for pastures green my child and make us villagers proud – Soufriere village needs a kick-start!
Yes i know the family of this young lady and what do u mean by Soufriere village needs a kick-start? Our children has been doing very well at school. Our villages Soufriere, Scott’s Head and Gallion has produce many skillful and talented persons. We hve many teacher, lawyers, doctors, priest, ministers, custom workers, Air and Sea ports workers, technicians, Police Officers, IT Managers, Farmers, Fishermen, just to name a few. Please be informed
Great idea by this organisation. It is always good to see Dominicans abroad giving back to country. Congratulations young lady. I’m sure that you will make the best of this opportunity.
Good luck to you. Be aware of all of the pharmaceutical industry influence and seek the truth.
how come I’ve never heard about this
I am very much delighted to see such a big effort. and strong will. The journey just started. dont look back with God help you can do it.
Great JOB DARDA, I must say this group of people are hard working a delicated to helping Dominican group in the USA and Dominica. They have pour out the heart to helping us. God Bless the group members. Cecilia Mc Inyre we love you all.
wow! congratulations!!!! all the best in your goals!
Congrats
Congratulations to you young lady and Bravo and keep on doing the good job that you all are doing to the organization.
Well done…. 
It is indeed a pleasure that Ms Evonna Renault is the recipient of Dominica-American Relief and Development Association (DARDA) Agatha Shillingford Scholarship fund.
Thanks to Ms/Mrs Cecilia Mc Intyre and all other representatives involved in this initiative. Evonna is a bright and promising young girl with a great future ahead. We hope that with this much needed help, that she will better focus on school activities. The family of Evonna is very appreciative as we have seen, the positive impact it has had.
Much thanks to DARDA and the representatives, as Evonna is focusing on making her dreams a reality.
How can one apply for this scholarship? Do you have any information? Maybe Admin has
Congratulations Ms. Jno.Baptiste, make the very best use of that opportunity, in my time we were not so fortunate. To the members of the organization, thanks and good job. Keep the spirit alive we need that for the generations coming up.
Congrats to you and your family.
nice one u go girl all the best