Twenty-two Sandals Royal Bahamian employees are the recipients of non-repayable monetary grants to assist with their children’s education for the upcoming academic year, just in time for back-to-school. The grants of$250 per child was based on financial need.
“We know that by offering various opportunities to you it will not only impact you, but subsequently filter down to your personal lives[and]we strongly believe in developing our team so that they in turn will be better parents, children, family and friends,”said Sandals Royal Bahamian’s General Manager Jeremy Mutton who added that this year, Sandals’ focus has been on education.
Thanking Sandals on behalf of the parents, team member, Alesia Smith said that Sandals is not only a proud place to work, but she is proud that the resort believes so strongly in empowerment.
“Every week we could look forward to some new, innovative idea to learn, study and perform at our best. Just this month alone there was the spelling bee for our kid [which 10-year-old Lyndon Rolle Jr. won and was presented with$1,000 in prizes, among them$500 toward his school tuition, $300 in school supplies, gift certificates from Mario’s Bowling, Bennigan’s Restaurant and Purity Bakery] and the sand castle competition, weekly bingo and next week a debate competition begins.”
Minister of Education Desmond Bannister who was present as the bursaries were handed out, advised the parents to prepare their children for excellence and encouraged them to give their children as much support to ensure a successful academic year.
“As parents, we have to work hard and motivate our children so that they can always do their best. We are fortunate Sandals is providing so many opportunities not just for their children but also for them.”He also referenced the recent spelling bee competition held at the resort for its team members’ children and the current swimming, Spanish and communication classes for team members.
Offering parenting tips to the parents, Glen Ferguson, motivational speaker and coach told the team members that in order to guarantee their children’s success they must have a strategy. He encouraged parents to read with their children, monitor their television watching, set up a daily routine, listen to their children and have high expectations. He also encouraged parents to form a partnership with their children’s teachers and school, and encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities. He encouraged parents to use community resources and programs, invest in professional resources and establish an education fund.
Source: Nassau Guardian
