History: The SACD’s Scholarship Programme was established in 2010 awarding for the first time seven (7) students entering the secondary education level. The programme solo objective was to improve the education level of the future generation of the stakeholders as an alternative to fishing industry. This in hand will contribute in decreasing the amount of future fishers into the industry and decrease the pressure to the resources of the Great Barrier Reef and its ecosystems.
Background;
Every year SACD awarded sixteen high school scholarships to those students that show the greatest motivation and conservation leadership in their communities. Each scholarship covers one years of student tuition fees, with a maximum of $700.00BZD per recipient. The scholarships recipients are among three key stakeholder’s communities of Corozal Bay wildlife sanctuary, including Sarteneja, Chunox and Copper Bank Village.
All SACD’s scholarship students are required to participate in SACD activities. They assist with SACD events such as the Sarteneja Community Day, Annual Summer Camp, and the Independence Day float, and participate in training events, expanding their knowledge and experience of conservation in and around the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
How Does the Scholarship Programme Work?
SACD scholarships covers one year of tuition fees for sixteen high school students which is randomly divided between 1st to 4th form students. The Scholarship Programme is 
focused on increasing the number of students in costal communities key stakeholders of Corozal Bay- who go on to attend high school, building the capacity of young conservation leaders within the community, and providing them with an opportunity to improve their level of education.
The scholarship selection process has been developed to provide fairness and transparency amongst the interested persons.
Application Form: SACD has developed an application form that gives equal opportunities to the persons interested in this support from the different communities eligible. The Applications open every year from June 1st-July 31st.
Interview Process: An interview is conducted with those students that qualify for the scholarship by an interview panel to determine the final four scholarship recipients for the current year. The interview focus on ensuring that the student needs the help, wants to study and is willing to continue participating in conservation activities as part of the SACD’s Internship program.
SACD Agreement: An SACD contract is signed by each student, their parent/guardian, the SACD President, the Education Advisory Committee Chairperson, and a Justice of the Peace. The agreement guides the SACD Scholarship recipients in the rules and regulations that students need to follow for the whole year in order to maintain his/her scholarship.
Certificates & Official Ceremony : Each SACD scholarship student is given a Certificate of Recognition, confirming that the student is an active SACD scholarship recipient. It also reminds them that they are part of SACD, and that they have the responsibility to voice issues regarding conservation and sustainable development within their community.
Tracking Methods: SACD keeps track of each scholarship recipient throughout their year of study, to verify their progress in high school and to ensure that they are abiding by the rules and regulations of the SACD scholarship contract, including maintaining their grades, keeping to the SACD guiding principles and participating in the SACD Internship activities.
Interested in sponsoring a child’s education?
Consider contributing towards the Scholarship Fund…an established, well-managed programme that seeks to support future leaders of the community.
Find out more from the SACD Office: info@localhost