Leah Fouchong’s life has changed for good. In September, she left her home in Trinidad to begin a Master’s programme in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development at the University of Belize.
A former secondary school Geography teacher and nature lover, Fouchong was craving a change of environment when she learned about the scholarship opportunities offered by the Caribbean-Pacific Island Mobility Scheme (CARPIMS). She applied for a postgraduate scholarship, stressing her passion for her field of study, as well as her goal of furthering her studies in order to make a significant impact on her home.
Fouchong’s drive to contribute to the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago was coupled with her desire to learn more about a different culture. Her dream of becoming a key player in Caribbean environmental conservation became closer to reality when Fouchong was selected for the CARPIMS scholarship.
She acknowledges that leaving the buzz of home for the peaceful, untouched plains of Belize took some getting used to.
“At first it was hard,” she admits. “Coming from Trinidad that’s so busy then being thrust into this new environment, having to adapt to the changes in conditions, climate – especially food! But everyone has been so friendly and so welcoming that I really feel good now.”
Fouchong said once she grew more comfortable, she began to appreciate Belize’s laidback lifestyle and was fascinated by the country’s traditions and celebrations of its indigenous cultural roots.
“I love that the Belizean people are so proud of their culture and hold on to their indigenous traditions,” she says.
“Unlike Trinidad, it’s not uncommon in Belize to hear people speaking in their aboriginal tongues of Mayan or Garifuna. They pay tribute to their indigenous culture with celebrations such as the Festival of Drums, which commemorates the settlement of the Garifuna tribe.”
She was pleasantly surprised to encounter touches of Trinidadian culture in Belize. “For Belize’s Independence celebration there was a big street parade with different floats. I was so surprised to see a float with a steel pan band!” she exclaims.
Her experience speaks to the importance of programmes like CARPIMS, which strive to highlight the common bonds between island nations, and the great benefit to be derived from regional cooperation.
Fouchong has recently been offered the chance to learn how to free dive in the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. She is extremely excited about the opportunity to live out her dream, one which would not have been realized had she never filled out her CARPIMS application. With a broad smile she offers the following advice to students, “Applying for a scholarship like CARPIMS is a wonderful way to not only develop life skills, but to discover your own sense of self.” |
