THE Sandals Foundation is the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, with over three decades of lasting commitment to the development of the Caribbean and its people, especially its children. The Foundation remains committed to investments that create a positive and sustainable impact on peoples’ lives and certainly, education is seen as one of the pillars that will encourage children to reach their full potential.
In this regard, the Foundation maintains a scholarship programme, also identified as the Care for Kids Programme, which is executed across all resorts. From the Bahamas in the north, to Grenada in the south, the work of the Foundation is dedicated to the development of children in communities.
Since its inception, more than US$21 million have been invested in a number of projects from the upgrading of schools, to the outfitting of computer labs. Over 54,000 students have been impacted in many ways. In Saint Lucia, for instance, over the last five years, 14 children have benefitted from the scholarship programme, twelve of whom will graduate this academic year. Two students from this batch will continue on with the programme, while eight new students will come on board as scholarship recipients for the first time, entering secondary school from September 2016.
Annually, the Foundation organizes a fun day for all of its scholarship holders. This summer, the programme was more special because it provided the opportunity to bring students together as on out-going and in-coming event. The older students were able to share their experiences with the younger ones, some of whom still have mixed feelings about entering a new school and having to make new friends.
Students spent a productive morning in working session with motivational speaker Valentine Dantes, who went on to say of the day, “it is always a pleasure to help our young people acquire the right attitude and work ethics that will help them succeed in the near or distant future.” During the team -building sessions, he covered a range of topics from Time Management, to helping students transition from one grade level to the next. Mr. Dantes summed it up by saying “it was a great time learning, sharing and having fun”.
Daralee Fontenelle had this to say about her experience – “During the last five years, the Sandals Foundation has aided my education immensely where finances are concerned by providing funds which were by no means able to be paid in full by only my family. Sandals Foundation has reduced a bulk load of financial responsibility on my family and has given me an opportunity to further my education. It is pertinent that I thank Sandals Foundation for giving a helping hand. Thank you Sandals Foundation.”
The students ended the day expending their energies at a Paint Ball activity located in Casen Bas. While they have enjoyed the summer, they are all anxiously awaiting the start of the new school year.