(PRESS RELEASE) – The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) held its annual scholarship and bursary program for the year 2017-2018. Some 264 students including students of the staff were recipients of either bursaries or scholarships; 58 primary, 150 secondary and 45 tertiary.

The distribution of scholarship awards and bursaries was held at a ceremony on Wednesday Aug 30th, 2017 at the Soufriere Primary School to recognize the outstanding performance of students at the CXC and Common Entrance levels.

Applicants were required to obtain a 65% average to qualify for a scholarship/bursary.

According to the Executive Director, Jimmy Haynes this was intended to develop the potential of the students. “We want the students to aim high and as a result it was necessary to place the threshold at a challenging though attainable level” he said.

Students with an average from 64.99% to 50% were also awarded with bursaries and were challenged to improve the districts performance by 5%.

This year, the total expenditure was valued at approximately $228,000.00 inclusive of a value of $58,000.00 representing returned books.

Mr. Haynes noted that the program which started off with six students, has steadily evolved to the biggest scholarships program on island.

District Education Officer District 8, Mrs Laura Francis expressed appreciation to the organisation for their generosity.

“The SRDF must be commended for its sterling contribution to the development of Soufriere. The district office has so far enjoyed a great partnership with the foundation and I am hoping that this partnership will continue as we collaborate for the development of education in Soufriere” she said.

Since its inception in 2007, the organisation has awarded nearly $EC 1.1 million to approximately 1,928 students with an annual expenditure of $250,000.00.

The Soufriere Foundation is a not for profit organisation located in Soufriere. Its mandate is to undertake social, economic, cultural and other sustainable development in the Soufriere region.

The organization which was established in 1993 generates revenues from its operational sites: the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail, Comfort Center, Soufriere jetties and 88.5 Soufriere FM.