Today, Scotiabank awarded financial grants to over 20 primary school students for the next school year.
These grants of are the bank's annual contribution back to the community because they provide brilliant but needy children the chance to continue to remain in school.
This evening, the bank's representatives held a handing-over ceremony, and 7News was there.
Here's what the grateful recipients told us:
Leticia Vargas - Marketing Manager, Scotiabank, Belize
"Yearly, Scotia Bank contributes to the community where we live and work: 'Give back to the community'. Year after year, we provide grants to the primary school kids from standard 3 and up, and provide funds which cover the tuition and books for this grant. These grants are awarded based on needs and grades. The kids must have good grades, and we have to see that the family really needs the funds, so that we can help them pay for tuition and books."
Yvonne Ellis - Grant Recipient
"The assistance that I am getting, the grant that I am getting from Scotia Bank will assist me with my grandchildren, most graciously, because there are 5 of them: 2 in high school and 3 at elementary school. With that, I am very grateful and thankful for the assistance that I have received, and it's going a long way to help them with tuition and books."
Daniel Ortiz
"Is this the first year that you've received the grant?"
Yvonne Ellis
"No, this is not the first year that I have received the grant. I have been receiving the grant for the past 5 years with my 2 grandchildren before."
Daniel Ortiz
"And it has always taken away a chunk of the bills for school of your shoulders. Am I correct?"
Yvonne Ellis
"Yes is always does and I thank God every day for it, and every year that I receive it."
Daniel Ortiz
"What did you have to do?"
Shanika Sulph - Grant Recipient
"I had to study hard, attend every single day of school, be respectful, and I had to do my best in school. I had to show everyone that I am a good student, and a good candidate for this scholarship."
Richard Whylie - Grant Recipient
"I studied really hard; I tried to pass all my tests and exams that they gave, and now, I am up here."
Daniel Ortiz
"I think that this is a relief for your family, right? Having the finances dealt with a little bit; is this the first time that you've received this grant?"
Richard Whylie
"No sir."
Daniel Ortiz
"How many times?"
Richard Whylie
"This is the second time."
According to the bank's marketing manager, there are still other branches around the country which have yet to announce the awardees, so there are still more grants to be given away.
