BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - EIGHT students from across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis entered the TDC Group of Companies family through the Warren C Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme on Saturday (Sept. 7).
The Scholarship, which was named in honour of TDC's first Chairman, provides an annual stipend of EC$750 which is expected to help defray some of the expenses some parents fall into when handing school supplies.
Eight students, one from each secondary school, are inducted into the Programme annually.
This year's Nevis recipients are Nicolette Alexander of Charlestown Secondary and Zario Chumney of Gingerland Secondary, while those from St. Kitts are Vedal Lake of Basseterre High, Ziquan Dorsette of Charles E. Mils Secondary, Andre Weekes of Verchilds High, Akeila Jules of Saddlers Secondary, Iona Wison of Cayon High and Juliska Huggins of Washington Archibald High.
The ceremony, which was held at the TDC Training Room, marked the 32nd instalment of the Programme and was held under the theme “Celebrating our Legacy, Investing in our Future".
Giving the overview of the Scholarships was Programme Director Nicholas Menon, who said that the Programme has three distinct parts.
"There is the Academic Assistance and Mentoring that we provide at TDC. There's the on the job practical experience and vocational training that we provide and also there is some financial assistance to smooth the way and to ensure that everyone succeeds and fulfils their potential here."
A video was shown to those in attendance, displaying former scholarship recipients commending TDC for assisting them. They also spoke of the benefits of the Programme and how it has moulded them into the individuals they are today.
Chief Education Officer Clarice Cotton, while thanking TDC for the effort put forward to assist parents, said that the Ministry of Education is always happy when companies come forward to support the students.
She said that in today's world it is very important for students to acquire work skills, which she stated is an avenue that TDC paves for the scholarship recipients, adding that academics alone is not enough for children to be well grounded.
"Another aspect of the Programme is that students are mentored. While they become scholarship holders, they are mentored on the job. People are there to support them and encourage them and to make sure that they do what is right; make sure they keep up their good grades."
Cotton encouraged the recipients to continue striving to do good in their work both in school and at TDC which, she said, would teach them to be accountable.
"You have received something, you have to be accountable. You have to keep up your grades, you have to show up for work, you have to obey the guidelines of TDC, and so this helps you to be accountable and in life. This is very, very important."
She also encouraged the students to "make full use" of the opportunity that has been given to them.
Former scholarship recipient (1989) and Candidate for Constituency Eight for the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, Dr. Terrence Drew was the featured speaker for the event.
He highly commended TDC for maintaining the Scholarship Programme, noting that it was instrumental in helping him throughout his school years.
Describing the legacy of what he deemed an excellent Scholarship Programme, Dr. Drew said it has handed down many good things to those who are now receiving it.
"What was handed down to all of us is the opportunity for young people to really progress in this society. I consider it to be a programme that is geared towards overall development and not just educational development. And I say that this Programme is definitely invested in our future."
He said that the Programme is not just about providing financial assistance to the parents, but noted that the experience gained by the recipients "would have transformed all into productive people and citizens poised to contribute to the development of this country and moving into the future".
Dr. Drew urged the students not to lose focus of their goals and encouraged them to, like him, take advantage of the opportunity that has been offered to them.
The TDC Warren Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme, which has as its motto “Moulding Young Minds for the Future”, was established in 1981 and has so far provided assistance to over 200 students.
