Last night Social Security Board Chairman Michel Chebat vigorously defended his board’s decision to invest $10 million in the National rollout of NHI. While that investment is controversial, one investment no one can argue about is the board’s decision to award scholarships to deserving students. A total of 37 scholarships to high school, sixth form, and the University of Belize were handed out this morning.
Keith SwiftReporting,
15 students were awarded high school scholarships; seventeen students received scholarships to attend sixth form, and six got scholarships to pursue bachelor’s degrees at the University of Belize. The UB scholarships were handed out by Chief Education Officer Maud Hyde - who was also the guest speaker.
Maud Hyde, Chief Education Officer
“Occasions like morning’s award ceremony gives us hope as it is evident that those of you chosen to receive scholarship awards here today have found your way to success. There is a long way yet to go, for some of you longer than others, but your success so far will give you the assurance to believe in yourself and know that for you the sky is the limit. Let today be the beginning of your personal success story because your story must become the fabric from which our nation’s greatness will be woven.”
Social Security Board Chairman Michel Chebat told the students they should see their scholarship award as an opportunity which comes with responsibility.
Michel Chebat, SSB Chairman
“Scholarship recipients you have before you a great opportunity, an opportunity to become contributing members of your individual communities and to your country. This is your first step in that journey. By giving you these scholarships, the Social Security Board is indicating its confidence in your academic abilities and we now expect the very best from you.”
The scholarship program was started five years ago. 350 students applied. The high school scholarships are for four years and valued at $4,000. The sixth form scholarships are for two years and valued at $4,500. The UB scholarships are for two years and valued at $20,000. Those scholarships were awarded in the areas of social work, tourism management, natural resources management, nursing, and information technology.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
