Press Release

Release Date:  Immediately

Contact:  George C. A. Emmanuel

722 2274/2431

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)

CAFA Scholarships

Punta Gorda Town. June 28, 2006

The Charles and Frances Arzu Scholarship Fund (CAFA) Foundation this year awarded six full scholarships for high school to Standard Six students from the St. Peter Claver Primary School during their graduation exercise held yesterday evening under the theme “With Yesterday’s Sacrifices and Today’s Achievements we Boldly Face Tomorrow’s Challenges”.

Established by the children of Charles and Frances Arzu, Belizeans residing in the USA, and managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment CAFA had previously awarded three scholarships to students attending the Toledo Community College (TCC) one of whom, Sonia Arzu is a 2006 graduate, the other two still attending school.

The six students; Peter Castillo, Elvert Ariola, Luis Alverez, Ashton Lino, Gerald Bernadez and Tarrell Flores were presented with their scholarships by TIDE’s   Scholarship Coordinator Delonie Forman as part of the graduating exercise.

Recipients of the scholarships are required to, in addition to attending tutoring sessions and preparing progress reports for CAFA choose a volunteer project that will allow them to share their knowledge with their community and to keep notes of ideas on a viable business venture for the future.

TIDE’s mission is to promote the sustainable development of the Toledo District by fostering the efficient and effective management of the region's resources, conducting relevant research, and by promoting training and advocacy in order to preserve our natural heritage for present and future generations.  In so doing the management of the CAFA Foundation is something seen as beneficial to community TIDE serves.