16 Students Awarded Full Ride Scholarships from Belize Bank
Big dreams often need a little help, and today, sixteen students from across Belize received exactly that. Belize Bank Limited awarded scholarships to some of the country’s top-performing students during its fourteenth annual scholarship ceremony. The awards recognize academic excellence while helping families meet the cost of education. The bank says it is part of its ongoing commitment to investing in Belize’s youth. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
In a world where access to education can shape the course of a young person’s future, Belize Bank Limited is helping to open doors for students with the ambition and determination to succeed. This year, sixteen outstanding young scholars were celebrated during the bank’s fourteenth Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony, recognizing both their academic achievements and their potential to make a lasting impact on Belize.
Filippo Alario
Filippo Alario, Executive Chairman, Belize Bank
“We have about two hundred and fifty students over the years, and what I can share with you is that we have even kids that have gone to Harvard University and have graduated from Harvard. We have people working in the bank and moving very quickly up whatever position they’re in. As I mentioned, you know, recently we have one staff member who spent a week in New York learning about global payments. And so all of these things really motivate us and embolden us to give more. I can’t think of any other initiative that is more worthy than this one because you’re not also helping a kid, you’re helping a family, you’re helping a community, and you’re helping the country.”
Belize Bank’s scholarship program goes beyond paying school fees. It covers tuition, supplies and mentorship to help students stay on track and plan for the future. High school recipients get four years of support, while sixth form scholars receive two years, along with career guidance from bank professionals. This year, ten high school students and six sixth form students received scholarships. Among them is eighteen-year-old Aliza Doniz, a scholarship alumna who has now earned support for tertiary studies. She shared her career goals with us.
Aliza Doniz
Aliza Doniz, Scholarship Recipient
“I’ve actually not fully decided on one thing yet, but one thing I’m sure is that I would love to work with children or people my age or even, like, teenagers. In my heart I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to do that and be able to help other people. For now, I’m majoring in psychology and sociology, so it opens many doors for me. I could be a teacher, I could be a school counselor, a therapist, or even a social worker, and I haven’t fully decided on which path I’ll take, but it would be something that surrounds that area.”
The scholarship program is designed to ensure students and their families bear no educational costs, covering expenses not paid elsewhere while also providing school supplies. Alario emphasized that the program’s most valuable component is its mentorship initiative, which pairs each scholar with a Belize Bank manager who offers ongoing guidance and support throughout their academic journey. We spoke with one proud parent of a recipient who expressed her gratitude for the program.
Tamica Faber
Tamica Faber, Mother of Scholarship Recipient
“That is a big relief. I’m so happy for that because I’m a single mom, so I’m so proud, and I’m happy for the scholarship, so I hope he keep it up, and he can graduate.”
Belize Bank plans to increase the amount of sixth form scholarships awarded in the coming years. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.