90 Students Receive Scholarships from SSB

The Social Security Board (SSB) has awarded a record 90 academic scholarships to students across Belize. At its annual ceremony today, SSB granted its largest number of scholarships since the programme began in 2001.

SSB Communications Manager Vanessa Vellos said, “You have a lot of students out there who study, and they don’t have the finances to continue their education. What the Social Security Board is doing is providing that opportunity, that transition that you need from primary school to high school and also from high school to the associate degree level.”

This year saw over two hundred applications. Among the recipients is Mary Reyes, a Ladyville Technical High School graduate diagnosed with spina bifida. She says she’s looking forward to studying sociology and psychology at Saint John’s Junior College.

“From a young age, I went through a difficult time where I struggled with my mental health. So I decided to say, ‘You know what? I want to study to help other younger generations,'” she said. “Help those like me, who are going through a lot of time with their mental health. So they have someone to talk to, open up to and feel safe.”

Meanwhile, another recipient is father and police officer Andy Garcia. He said his “biggest motivation” is his six-year-old daughter. “I’m so happy, so grateful for this wonderful opportunity that the Social Security has given me to father and try to finish my education.”

The awards include 32 high school scholarships, 52 associate degree scholarships, and 6 vocational scholarships.