Testimonials

Receiving this scholarship gave me more than financial support; it gave me the belief in my potential. This scholarship strengthened my foundation in Spanish and the chance to speak with a professional Electrical Engineer. Although I don’t use Spanish as often today, the skills and confidence it gave me, still continues to impact my growth. Today, I work in the field as an Electrical Engineer Technician with an Associate’s degree and remain determined to earn my Bachelor’s degree.

Hujay Jeffers
Scholarship Recipient

The Rivers Foundation really gave me a window to grasp the substructure of foreign languages. Financially, it provided me with the essential material that helped significantly in my learning. With this material, my confidence and ability in speaking/ understanding foreign languages increased to a very high level enabling me to pass both of my French and Spanish high school exams. Thank you to the Rivers Foundation for believing in me and granting me this award.

Jermaine Manners
Scholarship Recipient

I now live in England and attend college. I have a diploma in bakery. I’m also planning to go to France for the first time later this year, so some of the resources you provided me will be very useful as I get ready for my trip.

Alexa Liburd
Scholarship Recipient

As a consultant to the Nevis Ministry of Tourism and teacher of Tourism Education in the Public Schools for the past twenty-two years, I have come to realize the importance of foreign language proficiency in this our major industry.

Besides being a world-renowned tourist destination, the Caribbean is itself a multi-lingual community of islands, benefitting from an exceptional climate.  Within the boundaries of CARICOM, the freedom of movement and employment offers to foreign language speakers endless opportunities.

My goal is to encourage students from a young age to appreciate the beauty of a foreign language – French, in my case – which opens up the culture in which it is spoken. The engagement is mutual, as the speaker is able to share and promote the unique culture of Nevis. Island-to-island student exchanges are easy to facilitate in the Caribbean and enable in-depth language learning.

The Rivers Foundation Program takes the student from a passive role on the school bench to pride and participation in language-based activities, which may lead to career opportunities never imagined.

Deborah Lellouche
Partner & Mentor