More Tomorrow, is the oldest village in Belize with a history dating back to the late 1700’s. And today, on the last day of school – the village’s children got a special visit. Member of the WISH foundation who had first visited the school back in August at the start of the school did as they said they would, they followed up on the students, encouraging them to perform well with a few special incentives. Kind of like an education stimulus package and I was there when it was delivered today.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Today primary schools across the country closed for the long summer holiday but as the boys and girls left for their homes, we are aware that many of their families are faced with financial challenges. It is hoped that all children in Belize will be able to afford to return to school when it reopens in September. What we do know is that for the 49 boys and girls who attend classes at the More Tomorrow Government School in the Cayo District, that wish has already come true.
That is why the children were in such a celebratory mood on their last day at school. The boys and girls were visited by women from the Wish Foundation who brought not only treats for the young students but back to school kits filled with supplies they will be needing in the next four months. According to the Wish Foundation’s President Sarah Codd they have committed themselves to serving those in need and that is what they have been doing since they formed just over a year ago.
Sarah Codd, President – Wish Foundation
“We decided that we wanted to help out communities with not in the city so we decided that we were going to try and find schools that had smaller populations so that we could help every student in this school. We went around finding out information about different schools and this was one of the schools that we thought needed a lot of help. We came in to see the principal and he explained to us their situation and we decided we were going to help each student in this school with a package of school supplies that had pencils, pens, and basically everything a student needs to go through the year.”
The students were also promised that if they did well in their subjects Wish Foundation would back with more
rewards….and so today those students who did well throughout the school year were given special gift packages…but what about eh student who excelled? Well today thirteen year old standard six student Allen Myvette was given a certificate for his accomplishment and for the next four years the Wish Foundation will receive a four year scholarship to attend his choice of high school which is Belmopan Comprehensive High School.
Allen Myvett, Recipient - Four Year Scholarship
“I studied everyday, my teacher pushed me to study, my mom encouraged me and that is why I know I would have passed.”
Vicente Bolon, Principal - More Tomorrow Government School
“He has been a very good student. He is a very exciting student. He is highly involved in sports, he does his work according to the way it is wanted by his teacher and he does very good. He is a very good student. He is a very good student, he is a well behaved student – he’s good and I think he deserved it, he certainly deserved it.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
You managed to succeed, you managed to do it, so what advice you have for boys and girls out there?
Allen Myvett,
“Just study and hope for the best, pray.”
Vicente Bolon,
“He will be going to Belmopan Comprehensive High School and that is where we hope that he completes his education and becomes somebody outstanding, become an outstanding figure in society. That is what we want to see, we want More Tomorrow to be no longer left behind but we want More Tomorrow to be recognized as much as possible.”
According to the school’s principal Vicente Bolon since the Wish Foundation has extended a helping hand to his students he has noticed a marked change in the children’s attitude at school.
Vicente Bolon,
“We have had greater attendance every since we are getting assistance from Wish Foundation because I have motivated them by telling them, that the highest ranking student who goes to high school will be awarded a four year scholarship. Now that’s a lot and I think that is something we ought to be proud of. I am certainly proud of that. Knowing that one of my students has received today I am very grateful.”
And hopefully it will motivate Allen Myvette’s school mates do just as well. It is an accomplishment that keeps the wish foundation even more committed to their cause.
Sarah Codd,
“We have ten scholarships that we are giving out this year that it is complete scholarships. Everything that you need; uniform, books, shoes, transportation, lunch, everything. We have complete scholarship packs which we have packaged for students. We are waiting to hear back from the community to get feedback to see who they feel need these scholarships.”
