Five of the ten scholars who graduated from a six-month training course on hotel and restaurant management in Bluewater Academy of Maribago Bluewater Resort. (CONTRIBUTED)
It has always been my desire to give my family a better life. My dreams encouraged me to study hard so I could help my family,” said Lyca Mae Caminos, 19, one of the ten scholars who graduated from a six-month training course in hotel and restaurant management in Bluewater Academy last Feb. 1. She also finished at the top of the graduating class.
4Ever40 Sisterhood Association Inc., in partnership with the Cebu provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Bluewater Academy of Maribago Bluewater Resort sponsored the scholarship program.
The ten female scholars came from San Remigio, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Medellin towns, which were among the areas affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda.
In selecting the scholars, Bluewater Academy conducted an exam and interview in the said municipalities and picked 10 beneficiaries of the program.
The scholars, high school graduates with honors, were trained by Bluewater Academy for six months with free accommodation, monthly allowance and a guaranteed job after the training.
Caminos, who hails from Bantayan town in Bantayan Island, said, “I wanted to become successful someday, but before that I wanted to finish my studies. Thanks to 4Ever40 Sisterhood Association Inc. and to the Bluewater Academy because you gave me a chance to continue my education,” she explained.
The 4Ever40 Sisterhood Association, Inc. is a public charity in California, USA formed by Asian empowered women. Its goal is to provide scholarship to poor children in remote areas in the Philippines and to inspire women to finish their education and become self-sufficient.
Caminos said perseverance and hard work allowed her to finish the course. “Thank you for inspiring us, for giving us hope to achieve our goals. This is the first step towards achieving our goals in life,” she said.
Rocelyn Zosa, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), expressed her thanks to both Bluewater Academy and 4Ever40 for making the project possible.
The PSWDO conducted the initial screening of the beneficiaries.
Julie Alegrado-Vergara, president of Bluewater Academy, said the ten graduates are part of the second batch of scholars for the short-term course on hotel and restaurant management.
In her speech, she encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams.
“Never stop learning, never stop dreaming. Life is too short. Make the best of it and make a difference,” she said.