Hospitality Sector Gives Back Through Academic Scholarships

For fifteen students across Belize, the new school year will come with fewer financial worries. This morning, the Belize Hotel Association awarded educational grants through its Partners in Education program, helping families working in tourism and hospitality cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms and transportation. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Fifteen students are getting help to pursue their education. The Belize Hotel Association awarded the grants this morning as part of its commitment to tourism families and Belize’s future. BHA President Reynaldo Malik explains.

 

Reynaldo Malik, President, Belize Hotel Association

“It’s a combination of wanting to give back first of all but also as a membership association, you’re always looking for value-ads for your membership. Amd so making a scholarship for the BHA through our members, there’s exclusivity there. So its part fi the value-ad that we are always seeking to do to give members back for the membership dues that they pay for the association. But its also a apart fo giving back as well and prioritizing education.”

 

Over the past twenty years, the program has tripled its scholarship intake. Funded entirely through donations from BHA members, the program accepts applicants on both a merit and need-basis.

 

Reynaldo Malik

“You have to be carrying a certain grade, of course. I would say that even though it both, I would actually say that the grade is more important and yes we would like to make sure that its going to folks that need that assistance so that does play a hefty role in terms of the formula and what is weighty versus what is not weighty when we’re making the decision.”

 

The grant is available to both secondary and tertiary level students. Fifteen-year-old Eimmy Garcia aspires of become a doctor and now steps into her third year at Pallotti High School with the peace of mind to focus on her academic career.

 

Eimmy Garcia, BHA Scholar 

“My father told mt to apply. Then I had to write an essay or summary about it and it was really fun. It’s a great opportunity for me and my family as it just helps me be reassured that my tuition will be paid. And I just feel very happy and motivated to do good in my studies.” 

Eimmy’s father, Luis Garcia, shared his gratitude for the program and pride at his daughter’s accomplishment.

 

Luis Garcia, Father of BHA Scholar

“Of course I’m very happy. I’m very grateful for her because she’s doing great. I’m really happy for her. She’s really dedicated, She’s very dedicated to her studies.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Does that make you a proud father.”

 

Luis Garcia

“Yes because she’s very dis3ciplined. I love that of her.”

 

BHA keeps the scholarship fund separate and finances it entirely through member donations and annual auctions. 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.

 

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