Belize Bank Awards Thirteen Scholarships Countrywide

Eight high school and five sixth form students will continue studies with scholarships from the Belize Bank. Accompanied by their proud parents, the deserving students were presented today with the scholarships awards.  Chairman of the Belize Bank Lyndon Guiseppi said the generosity of the bank is expected to be matched with that of the students through community projects which he encouraged them to undertake. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

With the start of a new academic year in the weeks ahead, scholarships are an essential part of the annual back-to-school preparedness.  Thirteen students from across the country, at both secondary and tertiary levels, are recipients of the third annual Belize Bank Scholarship Awards.  Before an audience of parents and educators, as well as bank officials, a brief ceremony was held this morning at the Radisson.  Chairman of Belize Bank is Lyndon Guiseppi.

Lyndon Guiseppi

Lyndon Guiseppi, Chairman, Belize Bank

“Sometimes, indeed quite often, especially in lower income households, students are simply unable to complete secondary school because their parents are simply unable to afford it.  We therefore felt that adding a financial component to the adjudication process was extremely critical.  In exchange for the bank’s generosity we expect the students to be generous instead.  We expect you the students to give back to your society.  I want each and everyone of you to challenge yourself and to find a community project that you can support.  Find another student in your community that you can teach.”

As part of its commitment, Belize Bank has provided mentorship for the scholarship recipients, an opportunity that Guiseppi urged students to take advantage of.

Lyndon Guiseppi

“As you start on your new school term, I wish you all the success as you embark on this exciting and new journey.  As part of the Belize Bank family, I personally will continue to follow your progress.  I enjoy receiving and reading your letters, over the past three years I’ve received a number of letters from students who’ve received awards and I read all my letters.  Please feel free to write to me about your experiences in school and how you are progressing.  Your Belize Bank mentor has also committed to providing you with further support.  I want to encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Additionally, students have been offered an incentive to intern at the bank during the summer.  That opportunity, says the chairman, is limited.

Lyndon Guiseppi

“We see this as an additional safety net to ensure that no one here this morning does not complete a minimum four years of schooling.  So the bank is doing its part, the parents have their role to play and you have your role to play.  Additionally, ladies and gentlemen, where applicable or available, the Belize Bank scholars will also be able to take advantage of short internships during the holidays and during their breaks which will provide you with the opportunity to experience working in a financial environment and also allow you to earn extra income.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.