Ashcroft Foundation assists art education
Art education at Saint John’s College today received a technological upgrade from the Ashcroft Foundation, through the National Institute of Culture and History. Three computers, complete with special graphic design and video editing software, were handed over to the centre during an informal ceremony at the institution’s computer lab this morning. According to spokesman for the Foundation, Michael Coye, education remains the primary focus of his organisation’s work.
Michael Coye, Spokesperson, Ashcroft Foundation
“The Ashcroft Foundation made a commitment of forty thousand dollars to the National Institute of Culture and History. It was suppose to be paid out in two parts, and the first portion, which is the first twenty thousand dollars, was paid out today. With the contribution the National Institute of Culture and History went ahead and upgraded their computer facilities here at the Saint John’s Art Centre.”
Patrick Jones
“What’s the significance of the Ashcroft Foundation contributing to NICH and the S.J.C. Arts Centre?”
Michael Coye
“Well the Ashcroft Foundation has always had as one of its priorities education in Belize, and art education is just as important. Two years ago, we donated for the construction of the S.J.C. Arts Centre, so it seems like the natural progression that we should follow up with aiding the National Institute of Culture and History. I believe Lord Ashcroft sees the future of Belize in its youths, so in developing the youths through any form of education, through its scholarship programme, through its information technology programme, library programme, benefits of the wider society.”
The second part of the Ashcroft Foundation’s contribution to NICH will be used to assist local artists with the production of demo material as well as the creation of literature documenting the development of arts in Belize. Minister of Tourism and Culture Mark Espat and Lord Ashcroft’s son, Andrew, witnessed this morning’s handing over.
