Radiothon to Assist Students in the Caribbean

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), will stage its fifth fund-raising Radiothon on October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., to provide scholarships and bursaries for students across the Caribbean region.
Last year, the event, which was held over two days, raised a modest $20,000.00 and according to the Foundation’s Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant, the effort was able to contribute to 20 scholarships awarded to students this academic year.
“These scholarships go a long way in shaping the destiny of many, as without them, several students would not be able to have access to a college education, and then go on to make positive contributions to the societies in which they live. AFUWI truly appreciates the donations received, and asks the public to continue to support this very worthy cause. No contribution is too small,” Ms. Grant told JIS News.
Persons wishing to make a contribution can call – toll free – any one of several radio programmes throughout the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, to make a pledge. The established pledge lines are: 1-800-437-0448 and 1-800-440-6785. The event will be supported by radio programmes in Georgia and Florida.
At a reception hosted by Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the Public Relations agency, Ruder Finn, at the offices of Ruder Finn in Manhattan on Friday, October 10, to launch the event, noted calypsonian, Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow), highlighted the importance of education in the lives of young persons of the Caribbean region.
Assistance will be provided for students attending universities in Jamaica (Mona); Barbados (Cave Hill) and Trinidad & Tobago (St. Augustine), and the newly established open campus sites in Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.