AFUWI Student Triumphs
AFUWI Scholarship Awardee Testimonials
Ms.Karen Dacosta - Bert N. Mitchell Family Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Mr. Elton Daley - Patrick Hylton Scholarship Recipient
Listen to Scholarship Recipient
Cherese Simmonds RAP Lyrics
Scholarship Recipient
Cherese Simmonds
Rap Lyrics
From a seed to a flower now, it's a new beginning
Was subjugated by my conditions some say were predetermined
WOW, I aint a quitter that's why I keep pushing
Working on my plans I have no time for wishing
See I didn't know where to turn, disappointments laid my paths but a lesson I've learnt
In the midst of your deepest pain there is still more to gain
So just never lose your faith, every day is not the same
I was running and searching knocked on a few doors,
That's when AFUWI came looking so I'm standing once more.
For those in a similar situation and see no open doors,
Faith is the evidence of things not seen substance of things hoped for.
Work, pray and it's okay to cry sometimes but,
Never you give up it's up to you to shine.
Letter of Gratitude
Warmest greetings to you Mrs. Hunter,
I am at the final leg of the race of this academic path and reflecting on my journey and all those who have been very instrumental in bringing me to this stage of my life and I must say, I'm grateful. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to you and my donors who believed in my abilities to the effect of investing in my education.
The overwhelming joy I felt upon being selected as a recipient of The AFUWI and Toronto Gala Scholarships, will forever be etched on my heart. Being from a humble beginning and the only one, of nine children to attend university, being selected was and still is a great deal for my family and me. Having received the scholarships as mentioned earlier, meant, giving my family something to look forward to; something to appreciate; something to celebrate and most importantly something for which to be proud.
It is my hope that in the near future, I will be able to impact lives in a positive way, that mine has been. I say thank you, for myself and on behalf of all the lives, you have touched. You have made a difference not only in our individual lives but also the lives of our family members, as many of us will have been the first graduate in our family.
Sincerely,
Phonia Blagrove
We highlight some of the scholarship recipients from across the 4 campuses of The University of the West Indies (UWI) who benefited this year from the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI). The Foundation has regularly facilitated donations and scholarships to students and faculty of The University of the West Indies from individuals and corporations in the USA.
Scholarships were awarded to students from across the Caribbean to attend UWI at one of the four campuses in Barbados (Cave Hill Campus); Jamaica (Mona Campus); Trinidad & Tobago (St. Augustine Campus); and the Open Campus – Anguilla and Bermuda; Antigua; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; The British Virgin Islands; The Cayman Islands; Dominica; Grenada; Jamaica; Montserrat; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St.Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.
AFUWI and The University of The West Indies, on behalf of the scholarship recipients express appreciation for the contributions made by generous sponsors and donors. We encourage you to help us make a difference in the lives of students by supporting the upcoming fundraising events of the AFUWI or by donating to this worthy cause.
About AFUWI
AFUWI is committed to expanding access to higher education for exceptionally gifted and ambitious young men and women who face significant financial barriers that would deny access to tertiary education. Our support helps position these aspiring scholars to obtain a college education, equipping them with the vital skills and knowledge necessary to transform their lives, support their families, and enhance the communities they serve. The evidence is clear: increased access to higher education is crucial for eradicating generational poverty, fostering creativity, cultivating talent, and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation—all fundamental components for nation-building. We will use every tool in our arsenal to emphasize the significance of higher education access for underserved populations in the Caribbean and the USA and to cast a global spotlight on this pivotal issue.
Over the last ten years, AFUWI has granted nearly 650 tuition scholarships and bursaries to students at The University of the West Indies (UWI). During this period, in-kind contributions valued at approximately $8.3M in books, furnishings, computers, and medical and dental equipment were also donated to campuses across the region. The Foundation also cultivates and nurtures strategic alliances with other academic institutions and entities that share a commitment to The UWI's priority objectives and the broader development goals of the Caribbean region and its diaspora.
AFUWI is a 501C (3) IRS-designated tax-exempt nonprofit entity. All donations, whether in cash or kind, are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. By supporting AFUWI, donors contribute to a worthy cause and enjoy the benefits of tax deductions, making their donation(s) go even further.
About The UWI
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 certificates, diplomas, and 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 the wider world.
The UWI's global recognition is not just a feather in our cap, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious list 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's inclusion 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, further underscores our global impact and recognition.
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.
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