DSAA Invests EC$32,000 in Scholarships and Community Impact Initiatives

Six Dominica State College Students and Two Community Organizations Receive Funding at Annual Beneficiary Handover Ceremony

- The Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association (DSAA) awarded EC$32,000 in scholarships

and community grants during its annual Beneficiary Handover Ceremony and Dominica State College (DSC) Scholarship Awards held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the UWI Open Campus Auditorium.

The Association awarded EC$12,000 in scholarships to six Dominica State College students and provided two EC$10,000 community impact grants to organizations advancing social development, youth empowerment, and community support

initiatives across Dominica. Investing in Students

Six Dominica State College students were each awarded EC$2,000 scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement, resilience, and determination despite financial challenges. Scholarship recipients were selected by Dominica State College in consultation with DSAA and represent a diverse range of academic disciplines.

Scholarship Recipients

 Shakira Brown - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences

 Kenan Nwijal - Business Administration (Management, Finance, and Tourism)

 Osani Nengen - Auto Mechanics

 Khadisha Joseph - Faculty of General Studies

 Rishanda Henry - Paralegal Studies

 Jess Vidal - Primary Education

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Hermancia Eugene Zamore, Dean of Academic Affairs at Dominica State College, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the impact of DSAA’s continued support for students.

“Today we honor individuals who have demonstrated academic vigor and perseverance while overcoming financial challenges in pursuit of their education. Because of your contribution, many students have been given the opportunity

to continue their studies with greater confidence.”

— Dr. H. Eugene Zamore, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dominica State College

Supporting Community Impact

Through its Community Social Impact Grant Initiative, DSAA also awarded EC$10,000 grants to two organizations following a competitive review and evaluation process conducted by DSAA board members together with Platinum sponsors National Bank of Dominica and Do It Center.

Lifeline Ministries Inc.

Lifeline Ministries received funding to support its survivor-centered response network for individuals affected by gender- based violence. The initiative provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safe-host placements, and after-hours support services for survivors and their families across Dominica.

Anse Kouanari Tourism Association Inc.

Anse Kouanari Tourism Association received funding for its Community and Youth-Led River Stewardship Project, a six-month environmental initiative engaging young people in river conservation, tree planting, public awareness campaigns, and community sustainability efforts in Castle Bruce.

Reflecting on the selection process and the importance of community investment, DSAA President Wayne Liburd emphasized the lasting value of giving back.

“Meeting the individuals behind these projects reminded us that every investment in our students and communities creates impact far beyond a single event or ceremony. Their passion, commitment, and vision inspire the work we continue to do as an organization.”

—Wayne Liburd, President, Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association

Five Years of Giving Back

Since its incorporation in 2020, DSAA has continued to invest in educational, healthcare, and community development initiatives benefiting Dominicans both locally and regionally.

Over the past five years, the Association has:

 Donated two dialysis machines and six dialysis chairs valued at approximately US$70,000 to the Dominica-China

Friendship Hospital

 Contributed US$14,000 toward relief efforts following the La Soufrière volcanic eruption in St. Vincent

 Provided ongoing scholarship support to Dominica State College students

 Expanded community grant initiatives supporting local organizations and youth development DSAA’s flagship fundraising event, White Sunset with a Hint of Creole, now in its fifth consecutive year, continues to serve as the primary driver behind the Association’s scholarship and community impact programs.

This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including:

 Platinum: OYO Construction, Do It Center

 Gold: National Bank of Dominica, Vibes Sky Lounge

 Silver: Belfast Estate Limited, Big Edge Financial, Fine Foods Inc., Legal Mart, Flow Dominica

 Bronze: Opti Precision, HHV Whitchurch Company Limited

 Corporate: Tropic Trading, Fresh Market, Unicom Dominica

Special recognition was extended to Paul Philip, Chair of the White Sunset with a Hint of Creole Committee, and Valerie Honoré for their leadership and contributions to the success of this year’s program.