(L - R) Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Prof. Densil A. Williams, Ms. Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, Ambassador Calvin Ayre, Mr Hyram Forde, Director of Administration (Ag.) and Ms. Pscale Kentish, President of the Guild of Students.
US$ 200, 000 Boost for Scholarship at UWI FIC
The UWI Five Islands Campus, Antigua and Barbuda Friday, March 31, 2023. — The UWI Five Islands Campus as part of its celebration of The UWI 75th Anniversary celebrations, on March 21, 2023; launched its scholarship programme dubbed; “the UWI Five Islands Campus/Calvin Ayre Foundation 75 Financial Care Programme”. The programme, one of three major initiatives for the campus as part of The UWI 75th Anniversary celebrations, benefitted from the generous seed funding of, US$200,000 from the Calvin Ayre Foundation in Antigua and Barbuda. The partnership will see the scholarship scheme providing over 200 scholarships/bursaries for both senate-approved degree programmes and professional development courses to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda who pursue studies at the Five Islands Campus
Speaking at the launch of the project, Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor Densil A. Williams said, "The gift from the Calvin Ayre Foundation is a celebration of philanthropy and a manifestation of Ambassador Ayre’s commitment to education and to nation building in Antigua and Barbuda. He noted that the 75 Financial Care Programme will enable more students to access the transformative power of higher education and help secure a brighter future for our people, country and region."
Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF), Jamilla Kirwan, expressed the Foundation’s enthusiasm for partnering on such a project. "We are thrilled to partner with The UWI Five Islands Campus on this initiative. Education is a fundamental pillar of our Foundation's philanthropic efforts, and we are proud to support students who are working hard to achieve their academic goals." She explained that the Foundation’s mission is embodied in its commitment to inspiring action in others, elevating lives, and empowering individuals and communities.
Chairman of the Ayre Group and founder of the Calvin Ayre Foundation Ambassador Calvin Ayre, emphasized the importance of supporting education initiatives around the world. He said: "Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the world. The Calvin Ayre Foundation is proud to support The UWI Five Islands Campus and provide financial assistance to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams."
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne, who officially launched the programme, expressed his support for the initiative and its potential impact on Antigua and Barbuda. He noted that: "I commend the Calvin Ayre Foundation for this partnership, which will enable more Antiguans and Barbudans to access higher education.” Further, the Prime Minister observed that the project will have a lasting impact on the lives of our people and contribute to the development of not only the country but the wider OECS. He also encouraged other corporate entities and foundations to partner with The UWI to ensure opportunities for access were available to students.
Starting September 2023, the first set of students will benefit from this scholarship programme.
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About The University of the West Indies
The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.
From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.
The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.
The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old). The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.
2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.
Learn more at www.uwi.edu
