Going back to school can be a bitter-sweet time for students and parents alike. As another school year commences, the Anguilla Electricity Company Limited (ANGLEC) hopes to make the experience of returning to school more enjoyable for everyone with its 2016 Horizon Scholarship Program.
In 2008, ANGLEC launched the Horizon Scholarship Program to provide eligible primary school students with supplies and a sense of empowerment before returning to school. Over the past 8 years, ANGLEC has awarded over 200 students with scholarships and supplies totaling approximately EC$206,832.
The scholarship recipients receive charitable donations, based on eligibility, to help lessen the financial burden on their families. For this 2016-2017 school year, a total of 22 scholarships were awarded island-wide. Each student chosen was provided with an award letter and vouchers to collect the necessary textbooks, uniforms, as well as other consumables to include stationery material, socks and shoes. While Horizon Scholarships are donated to a wide range of students, several of the children chosen are students of notable behavioral and academic standing. One such student is 10-year-old Marlik Fleming. For the past 3 years he has received the Horizon Scholarship, an opportunity he and his mother, Marline are happy and proud of.
“I consider the scholarship to be a blessing. It has been a very big help to us”, she shared as Marlik beamed at his accomplishment. From excellent grades, to excelling in
extracurricular activities, Marlik is one of the Horizon Scholarship Program’s brightest stars. When asked how he felt about receiving the scholarship, 3 years in a row, he said, “I’m very excited and it’s a shame I’m going to be too old for it soon.” For grade 5 students like Marlik, they’ll only have one more eligible year to participate. The scholarship is only open to students in grades 2-6. However, the HORIZON Scholarship Program is available to all public primary school students on Anguilla within the given grade range.
ANGLEC and the Horizon Scholarship Committee endeavor to help families all over Anguilla, just like Marlik’s, to transition into each school year with ease and a sense of pride in themselves. The Committee itself is a collaboration among ANGLEC, the Board of Education and the Department of Social Services. Mr. Sanford Richardson (of Social Services) has been part of the program collaboration since its inception and deems it “an excellent partnership.” His role is to encourage social workers to assist in the identification of students, help the committee in the selection of the recipients of the scholarship, and to provide any advice or guidance needed.
Mr. Richardson noted: “ANGLEC is making a major investment in these students,” and that “the initiative has enabled the Department of Social Development to assist other families who may not have been considered as eligible due to the set criteria.”
ANGLEC would like to thank its dedicated Committee, local school supply providers and families. We look forward serving the public through community initiatives like the Horizon Scholarship Program for many years to come.
– Contributed
