Walton scholarship programme a success

You may not know it, but since 1985, one of the most popular American retailing companies, Wal-Mart, has been providing Belizean students with full scholarships to pursue studies at three main universities in the U.S. The Walton International Scholarship Programme was started by the late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart stores. Today the Vice Chairman of Wal-Mart international, Don Soderquist, was in Belize, unfortunately not to announce any grand opening of a Wal-Mart store, but to speak about leadership in business to students and other interested parties. Soderquist says the company’s scholarship program has been a success.

Don Soderquist, Vice Chairman, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

“One of the things that the Walton family wanted to do, was to provide educational opportunities for young people, men and women of all colours, creeds etcetera, particularly those that couldn’t afford it. Those that would be unable to go to a college or university, but ones who had ambition, desire, and ones who have capacity for leadership. The intent was that as they come back into their countries, then they can fill very important roles, whether it is in the government, which some are, whether it be in the media, in education, or in business and some in construction as well. In computers, technology and I have to say this on behalf of the Walton family, they are more than delighted with the results of their programme, and they are absolutely overwhelmed by how the students have handled themselves when they come back. They are making a difference in Belize and that’s really significant.”

So far, a total of 60 Belizeans have been awarded the Walton International Scholarship to attend one of three universities including Harding university, John Brown University and the University of Ozarks.