The Melissa Skerrit Foundation provided 50 scholarships for this current academic year. Initiated by Melissa Skerrit, the wife of the prime minister of Dominica, the foundation has been running the “Back to School” program for over 5 years.
The program helps indigent but brilliant students with school fees, school supplies, uniforms, and other necessary materials for a successful academic year. Ms. Skerrit said 150 backpacks will also be given to students, and these backpacks are filled with school supplies for effective work in the classroom.
Ms. Skerrit attributed the success of the foundation to the generosity of donors and agencies within and outside the country. With the amount of funding obtained already, the foundation will be providing scholarship for 50 students for this current 2019-2020 academic year.
She encouraged parents to instill the spirit of dedication and hardwork in their children and set goals that can be measured and achieved for them. She said that when the right attitude is inculcated in children, and within a supportive society, the children will grow to become top achievers in the community. And then she also tasked school pupils to play their part in their own education.
“Students please play your part,” Skerrit urged. “You have to bear the responsibility for your education. Get to school on time; complete your given assignments. Pay attention to your teachers, listen to your parents, and put in the hard work it takes to succeed. We can give you all you need, however, the onus is on you to use the tools that you have been given to gain a sound education. Failure, relaxation, or giving up is not an option this year. Our country’s future is in your hands, and we are relying on you to develop yourself, and in doing so develop our country.”
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
