Belize Bank gives 13 scholarships to match 2013
In 2012, the Belize Bank started a scholarship program to match the celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary. Twenty-five students across the country went home will full scholarships. Now thirteen more students have been added to that amount for 2013. News Five’s Jose reports.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
For the second year, the Belize Bank has emerged as a social partner in the communities that it serves. Thirteen students were awarded scholarships and none was more proud than Orange Walk resident, Staicy Rodriguez.
Staicy Rodriguez, Scholarship Recipient
“It is an honor for me to receive the scholarship because it is a great opportunity; my mom will not have too many expenses with high school and I must thank god as well as the Belize Bank.”
Jose Sanchez
Staicy Rodriguez
“How do you feel that you will now have to work with a banker who will be monitoring your progress?”
Staicy Rodriguez
“It’s good idea and it is a great opportunity.”
C.E.O. Lyndon Guiseppi gave the main address that demonstrated the bank’s commitment to education.
Lyndon Guiseppi
Lyndon Guiseppi, Chief Executive Officer, Belize Bank
“Our stated goal is to see every student who receives a Belize Bank secondary school scholarship graduate and to take their rightful place as a productive citizen and a contributing member of society. In other words, this is not a token program. We are not just going to be given out money. Our goal is to see each and every one of our scholars, each and every one of these students, complete four years of secondary school and in the case of the sixth form students, the two additional years and that we ensure that you complete that program. In addition to providing scholarships for students entering secondary school this year, we have taken the further decision to expand our program by offering five additional scholarships to deserving sixth form school students. I don’t believe we have all our students here with us, but this year we are going to be recognizing sixth form students as well. Ladies and gentlemen as I stand before you this morning, I am extremely proud that our Belize Bank team led by Miss Misty Michael and her department have been able to make this program a reality and to once again today official award thirteen students—eight high school students and five sixth form students—with scholarships of further education. The scholarships we are offering this morning ladies and gentlemen will cover the fees and book grants for four years at high school and all the tuition fees for tertiary students to complete their associate’s degree.”
Carol Babb, Deputy Chief Education Officer
Carol Babb
“So I want to ask you to embrace this opportunity; to show appreciation. Education is the greatest gift that you can be given. Of course, life is the first and foremost the important one, but I think as an educator, education comes second because if you don’t have an education, you are sentencing yourself to a life of poverty, a life without any meaning; a life without any kind of productivity. So I want to congratulate Belize Bank and the chairman, Mister Guiseppi, for your social and corporate responsibility. I know the Belize Bank has a very good mentorship program where the managers and other staff members mentor you students; take advantage of this.”
The students will be attending high school and sixth form.
Shanice Guzman
Shanice Guzman, Scholarship Recipient
“I come from the Corozal Community College. I proudly graduated on honor roll and I am going to attend Corozal Junior College. I feel very privilege because it is the first time I am actually getting a scholarship and I did so well. I think that I can cope because it is something that is me. I did it from high school so I think I can handle it; it is not a problem.”
Brian Flores, Scholarship Recipient
“I am from Independence primary school. I live in independence Village and I intend to go to the Independence High School. I am happy that I’m gonna get some help for my high school and four years of school.”
Jose Sanchez
Brian Flores
“What do you think about the program where you will have to work with someone from the bank?”
Brian Flores
“I think it’s good, I can handle it.”
Angel Carranza, Scholarship Recipient
“I’m from Cayo, Belmopan and I am leaving Our Lady of Guadalupe Primary School to go to Our Lady of Guadalupe High School. I am honored to be receiving this scholarship from them.”
Angel Carranza
Jose Sanchez
“A part of the program means that you have to have good grades and you also need to work along with someone from the bank who will be monitoring you. Do you like that part of the program?”
Angel Carranza
“Well yes, you’ll have someone to talk to if you need someone.”
Jose Sanchez
“How old are you?”
Tavis Swift, Scholarship Recipient
“Twelve.”
Jose Sanchez
Tavis Swift
“Which school are you coming from and where will you be going now?”
Tavis Swift
“I’m coming from Pancotto Primary School and I’m going to SJC.”
Jose Sanchez
“Now what do you think about the program where you have to work with someone from the bank to maintain good grades?”
Tavis Swift
“I think it is good.”
Lyndon Guiseppi
“Nelson Mandela said it best that education is the most powerful weapon which is you can use to change the world. Education is a weapon that you can use to change the world. The Belize Bank have taken the position that our financial resources on the part of a child or a parent, should not be a deterrent to a quality education. Why? Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.
