UWI hosts ‘Global Giving’ event

Corporate Barbados, alumni and staff of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus have been “giving back” to the tertiary institution in aid of students in need of financial assistance.

 

This has been done through the Campus’ inaugural “GLOBAL GIVING WEEK”.  Speaking at last Friday’s Global Giving Week’s Student Support Rally, Business Development Officer, UWI, Sonia Johnson explained that the Week aimed to “bring staff, alumni, friends, donors, agencies and the private and public sector together to create a culture of philanthropy towards the university.”

 

She further told the audience in the Lobby of the Leslie Robinson Building that during the period events were organised around the region and internationally to increase engagement with UWI as well as to increase monetary donations to the university. 

 

At the Cave Hill Campus, she pointed out the focus was on scholarships, bursaries and the Office of Student Services’ Adopt-A-Student Fund. Johnson added that the target set was $80 000 and this was surpassed by the end of the Rally.

 

Giving further details about the Fund, Director of Students Services, UWI, Dale Lynch, said it was launched in February of this year “to respond to the critical financial needs of students.”

 

“The Adopt-A-Student Programme will enable low-income students to meet the day-to day financial costs associated with attending university, such as food, transport and stationery. It will focus on helping all students to maintain access to the University of the West Indies, while improving their chances of graduating. Though a small staff complement, our commitment to the Fund this year is $3 336.”

 

Turning her attention to highlight the extent of the financial difficulties affecting current students and the numbers applying for aid, Lynch said “in 2015/2016, 30 students applied for financial assistance, 25 of them received tangible assistance at a value of 

$48 000. Five students received scholarships based on academic merit and financial need and this represented $36 000 of the total amount. Seventeen students were awarded $8 500 from the student Hardship Fund. Two students were recipients of grants from the UWI Seniors, valued at $2 800 and on student received a book grant of $200 plus dollars.”

 

During Friday’s event, monetary donations were made by staff, alumni and local businesses. Among those making presentation was Deputy Principal, UWI, Professor Clive Landis who gave $2 500, Director of Security Services at the Campus, Oral Reid who gave $2 500 and Chairman of Hope Transplant International, Reverend Michael Steele who gave $5 000. (MG)