Seated from left, Ranfurly Homes’ administrator Alexander Roberts; St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk Reverend Byrn McPhail and BTVI president Dr Robert Robertson. In the second row, from left, Kirk and Ranfurly Homes’ board member Linda Eldon; Ranfurly Homes’ president Alexandria Maillis-Lynch; Kirk elder Margaret McKinney; Sigma Gamma Rho president Tanya Woodside and BTVI’s associate vice-president of fund development Alicia Thompson. At the rear are Kirk management committee chairman Peter Bates; Kirk elder Tim Lightbourn and assistant sof police and chairman of the Bain and Grants Town Scholarship Fund Anthony Rolle. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
AT LEAST four transitioning or former students of the Ranfurly Homes for Children will have an opportunity to learn a trade at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) through a new scholarship fund.
The brainchild of BTVI’s president, Dr Robert W Robertson, the fund is spearheaded by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk, where current residents of the Ranfurly worship. Already, other partners are coming onboard, including Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Pegged at a collective $10,000 annually, Kirk Reverend Bryn McPhail said the response thus far has been encouraging. “Since announcing it in church, there have been generous contributions and pledges coming in,” he said at the official launch yesterday. “The impetus is because we care about these young people. We want to build into their lives not only spiritually, but help them along in life. This is also open to those who left Ranfurly years ago.”
Ranfurly’s administrator, Alexander Roberts, extended a sincere thank you to the Kirk for its ongoing commitment to the homes. “This level of commitment is refreshing, rewarding, encouraging. I hope the recipients will go on to make stellar contributions to society. Thanks to the Kirk, BTVI and other partners, you are addressing the needs of society. With a good education and a good attitude, doors will open, making for a better society,” said Mr Roberts.
Additionally, Dr Robertson, who revealed that he will be making a personal financial contribution to the fund, said he is pleased to assist. “We, at BTVI, see the Kirk as advocates … joining the fight for their future. Their lives are more tenuous because of their circumstances. However, we are grateful that Reverend McPhail and his congregation understand that education is the great equaliser. It is no secret that one has a better chance at succeeding in life with access to a good education,” said Dr Robertson.
“To prospective scholarship recipients, it is at BTVI that you will learn a trade and earn a living. We are so pleased to be a partner in such a substantive way, but also contributing on a wider scale to national development,” he added.
Meanwhile, corporate Bahamas is being encouraged to contribute to the fund as well and according to Reverend McPhail, any surplus will be given to the Bain and Grants Town Scholarship Fund, which BTVI also partners.
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