Two freshmen students have been afforded the opportunity to further their studies in business at the Dominica State College.
Veda Roberts of the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School received a full scholarship from Whitco Development Institute while Garner Harris of the St. Mary’s Academy received the Elkin B. Henry Memorial Scholarship.
Whitco Development Institute is a local organization working with national and international development partners to improve the livelihoods of the poor and revitalize the rural economy.
Director of Whitco Development Institute, Eliud Williams, says his organization is pleased to play a part in assisting young individuals to pursue higher education.
“Today it is perhaps a very simple ceremony but a significant one since we will offer two students annually the opportunity to pursue higher education at an institution which is rapidly gaining significance and importance with a fine academic reputation both locally and overseas,” the Director stated.
Nathalie Sampson, who is the daughter of the late Elkin B. Henry spoke highly of her father’s achievements and his commitment to education.
The late Elkin Henry served as a Member of Parliament from 1957 to 1970 and was the former Minister for Labour and Social Services and for Education. He was also a teacher at the St. Mary’s Academy.
This why, she says, it gives her great pleasure to award this scholarship.
“His desire for education was not just for his children and community, it was for the nation. This explains in part why we chose to keep his memory alive through this scholarship. In his 1959 speech in the House of Assembly, he argued ‘It is doing an injustice to what we have been able to achieve here if those who represent us cannot assist our people in building their confidence in themselves, in building their character and their prestige…’”
“Congratulations, young Garner Harris, and it is our firm hope that you will rise to our expectations ad graduate with honours,” Sampson said to the recipient of her father’s award.
Veda Roberts and Garner Harris expressed their gratitude for the scholarships.
Veda stated, “I would like to say thank you to Whitco for sponsoring this scholarship because to be honest, everybody has financial difficulties. Before thanking you but before thanking you, I should thank God because if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be standing here accepting this scholarship or [getting top grades]. I would like to thank you for giving me this scholarship because I couldn’t do it on my own; I had the support of my mother, my principal and my teachers pushing me.”
Garner stated, “I would like to thank...everybody who made it possible.”
Each student received a cheque of $1500 which will go towards school supplies and transportation.
Also two cheques were presented to the bursar of the Dominica State College for the tuition fees of the students.