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December 2008
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Giving Back to UWIAdopt-A-Student and UWI Bursaries help students achieve their dreams Free
tertiary education is undoubtedly important for the UWI, but many
students are in desperate need f financial assistance. As a result, two
key initiatives that provide funding for students at the University have
been gaining momentum.The Adopt-A –Student initiative gives staff and other stakeholders the opportunity to assist students with their expenses through a monthly salary deduction. The contributions can be of any amount and are used to assist students with expenses that may range from meals to photocopying and transportation. Currently, the Adopt –A-Student programme provides over 20 students with monthly stipends of $200. The brainchild of Director, Student Services, Ms. Deirdre Charles the programme has made inroads since its inception in 2005. Candidates apply, are interviewed and their needs assessed for the funding programme. Currently, Ms. Charles is in the process of increasing the stipend to $300, because, although several members of staff have embraced the initiative, the demand for assistance has also grown. Ms. Charles explained that “the number of needy students has grown and continues to increase. These students experience serious difficulty and on many days are unable to afford a proper meal,” she added. The testimonials from students underscore the need for assistance, for many it ensures that they continue to pursue their dream of being a University graduate. “The [Adopt-a-Student] programme was very helpful. It was a life saver. $200 may not seem like a lot, but for me it was. Thanks,” from Cherianne. “For me the Adopt-A-Student programme was a great relief and served as my monthly expenditure for stationery and copies. I truly believe this programme is a wonderful initiative,” explained Kenny. The UWI Alumni Association (T&T chapter) has been distributing bursaries to students of the UWI St. Augustine Campus since 1991, staying true to its motto of ‘giving back to UWI’. To date, the Association has contributed three hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($380,000.00) in bursaries over the years. A student becomes eligible for the award of a bursary based on the basic criteria of: successfully completing all courses and achieving an overall minimum Grade B average; making a significant contribution to student life, including service on the Guild of Graduates; and providing evidence of financial need. In 2008 the Chapter provided five undergraduate students of $5,000 each along with an annual donation of $5,000 to the Main Library. The UWIAA (T&T Chapter) has been able to finance these bursaries through its successful fundraising ventures including the Annual International Wine and Cheese Festival which was held on November 15th 2008 and its Annual Independence Day Cruise. Bursaries have also been financed through strategic partnerships with the business community and from donations from members of the Alumni community. For more information on how to Adopt-A-Student please Student Advisroy Services at (868) 662-2002 ext 2097 For more information on the UWIAA please contact Ms. Charmain Subero at 662-2002 ext 2097 or 663-1579 |
