SSB Scholarships Empower 90 Belizean Students to Chase Their Dreams  

It’s that time of year again, backpacks, notebooks, and fresh hopes for the school year ahead. But for ninety students across Belize, this back-to-school season comes with a special gift: a full academic scholarship, courtesy of the Social Security Board. Today, SSB held its annual scholarship ceremony, celebrating high school, college, and vocational students who now have one less thing to worry about, tuition. It’s all part of a mission to empower Belizeans through education and fuel the country’s economic growth. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there and brings us the story.

 

Mary Reyes, Recipient

“Try, even though if you’re not accepted you know, it’s just to take the shot and to try and to never give up in life.”

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Getting a good education shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a right. But for many Belizeans, the cost of tuition can be a major roadblock. This year, that burden is being lifted for ninety students across the country, thanks to the Social Security Board’s Award Program. These scholarships are giving young Belizeans the chance to focus on their studies and chase their dreams, without worrying about how to pay for it. Communications Manager Vannessa Vellos shares how this initiative is opening doors and changing lives.

 

Vanessa Vellos, Communication Manager, Social Security Board

“This is a very is significant ceremony because as you know, you have a lot of students out there who study and they don’t have the finances to continue their education. So 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. Sixth form level.”

 

This year marks a historic moment for the board as they awarded ninety scholarships, the most that the program has ever handed out since its inception in 2001.  Over two hundred students applied this year alone. Mary Reyes is beaming with pride today. The Ladyville Tech graduate is one of this year’s scholarship recipients and she couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

 

Mary Reyes

“I felt a mix of emotions. I felt happy, I felt scared, and I felt like just excited.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What was the application process like for you at any point in it, did you think, oh, I’m not sure if I’ll get it, or were you confident?”

 

Mary Reyes

“At one point I was like, I don’t really know if I will get it.”

 

Mary, who was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth, will be studying sociology and psychology at Saint John’s Junior College. For Mary Reyes, the journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s those personal struggles that have fueled her determination to succeed.

 

Mary Reyes

“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 generation. Like me who are going through a lot time with their mental health. So they have someone to talk to open up to and feel safe.”

 

The awards consisted of thirty-two high school scholarships, fifty-two associate degree scholarships, and six vocational scholarships. Police officer Andy Garcia is using his scholarship to obtain his high school diploma. He tells us that his biggest motivation for doing so is his family.

 

Andy Garcia, Recipient

“My biggest motivation right now is my daughter. I have a six-year-old and wonderful daughter, who is quite smart, and she is the one who motivate me to push on and try to finish.”

 

After graduating high school, Garcia hopes to further his studies in Information Technology; an opportunity he may not have had were it not for the scholarship.

 

Andy Garcia

“I’m excited. 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.”

 

They come from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but they all share one thing: a dream to succeed. This year’s scholarship recipients range from fresh high school grads to adults returning to the classroom, showing just how committed the Social Security Board is to giving every Belizean a fair shot at education and economic success. Britney Gordon for News Five.