PRESS RELEASE – A number Sandals Foundation Scholarship Recipients joined several team members from Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia last week, to help with painting and repairs at the Marchand Combined School ahead of students returning for the new school term.
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, supports 17 children on scholarship at varying levels of secondary and tertiary education. While some of these students will graduate from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College at the upcoming 2018 graduation ceremony, 10 of the younger ones will enter third form at their secondary schools of choice. Many of these students would have achieved over 80% at the Common Entrance exam therefore qualifying for the Sandals Foundation Scholarship.
These students took time out from their summer vacation to volunteer for a two hour clean up and lunch-table paint job at the Marchand Combined School, one of the three schools that have been adopted by Sandals in Saint Lucia.
In addition to teaching and exposing the students to the value of community service the exercise is also an investment in life skills for these young people. Parents of two of the scholarship recipients also took time off their jobs to work alongside them in order to give back to the community.
One of those parents Ms. Titiana Boyce said, “This was very important to me. I asked for the day off and I was able to get it, because I like to be involved with the things that my son is doing. He is a cadet and spent some time at a camp, where he was learning good skills. This was important to, and so I am glad I was able to help.”
Mr. Moses Augustin also came to school to volunteer with his son. “I want him to learn to do better and to help people. This is why I took the time off to come and work with him in the school. It is important for him to do these things.”
Once the cleaning and painting was over, the students were transported to the Sandals Regency La Toc, where they participated in a number of other activities including a table etiquette session hosted by team members Restaurant Manager Peter Moise and Waitress Kathleen Popo.
In addressing the students over lunch, Sandals Regency La Toc Operations Manager Della John stressed on the importance of seizing opportunities as they present themselves. She used her own life story and rise through the ranks at Sandals to inspire the students. In closing, Christopher Elliott, General Manager at Sandals Halcyon, implored the students to work harder throughout the term. He said, “those of you who have scholarships are very fortunate. You must raise the bar and perform at your best.”
Students go back to school this September.
Launched in March 2009, the Sandals Foundation was established to continue the philanthropic work of Sandals Resorts International that began over three decades ago. The three focus areas of the Foundation –Community, Education and the Environment—underpin a singular objective to make a difference in the lives of people across the Caribbean. This is achieved by investing in community projects, educational programs and environmental preservation on the islands where Sandals and Beaches operate. From assisting schools and conducting health screenings to supporting local farmers and cleaning up beaches, the Foundation aims to unite the region under common goals including: to elevate our people and to protect our delicate ecosystem. To learn more, visit: www.sandalsfoundation.org.