Bowen and Bowen Builds Futures Through Education

For sixteen young Belizeans, the road to a stronger future just got a little easier. Bowen and Bowen Limited has awarded another round of scholarships to the children of its employees, helping students pursue secondary, tertiary, and vocational studies. The program has been running for more than a decade, and, to date, the company has invested more than one million dollars in education. But beyond the dollar figure, the initiative is about opening doors for the next generation, while supporting the families who help drive the company’s success. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony and found out how these scholarships are helping students stay focused, dream bigger, and prepare for leadership.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Behind every scholarship is a student with a dream and a family cheering them on. This weekend, sixteen young Belizeans took a major step toward their educational goals as Bowen and Bowen awarded its latest round of scholarships, part of a long-running initiative that has invested thousands of dollars in the education of employees’ children for the past twelve years. Michael Bowen, CEO of Bowen and Bowen, shares why the company continues to invest in education.

 

Michael Bowen, C.E.O., Bowen & Bowen Ltd.

“We’re all part of a community, whether you’re inside Bowen & Bowen or just inside Belize. And we all have to support each other, but we all have to invest in Belize. And education is a great resource to do that. It gives you this opportunity to learn and question and ask good questions. And again, like I said, it creates choice. Choice of your career, choice of where you work, and choices overall.”

 

The scholarship covers tuition, books, school fees, and offers a mentorship program to the scholars through the Human Resource team. To qualify, students must be children of Bowen and Bowen employees and display strong academic potential. This year, sixteen-year-old Dwayne Belgrave stood out as the highest performing student, graduating from St. John’s College with a 4.25 GPA. He will now attend St. John’s College Junior College where he will pursue a science degree.

 

Dwayne Belgrave, Scholarship Recipient

“It kind of gets rid of the financial burden Sixth form is very expensive at times.  I’m taking science so it’s even more expensive. So it just gets rode of the mental stress for finances. I’m studying sciences. I want to be a doctor, specifically a radiologist. But I also love animals so we’ll see where that tales me.”

 

Bowen says the scholarship program reflects the strong commitment that both students and their families have toward education. Families must apply for the scholarship and show they are committed to supporting the student’s education. Thirteen-year-old Kyra Santos is one of the committed students awarded. She plans to study at Itz’at STEAM Academy.

 

Kyra Santos, Scholarship Recipient

“My mom was work and she called me and she said I have to tell you something. And I said okay and she tell me and I started screaming and I started crying. I don’t know what I want to study yet but I don’t know what the future stands for me but one thing I know I want to be a girl in STEAM.” 

 

Kyra credits the strong support of her family for being selected as a recipient. Her mother, Kisha Cal, who has been with the company for almost five years, shares her pride in Kyra’s accomplishment.

 

Kisha Cal, Mother of Scholarship Recipient

“I’m really really proud for my daughter. I know that she has worked hard for this. I have seen how hard she studies and to me it’s a very good opportunity getting this scholarship for her because I know it can help her both economically and educationally. I know that she wants to be someone in life. I look forward to these four years ahead and I know she is going to accomplish whatever her dream is.”

 

Bowen says helping students succeed is even more meaningful when they later return to work with the company. 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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