When one considers humanitarian assistance, it is natural to think about aid organizations such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF, just to name a few.

Humanitarian aid spans a wide range of assistance from providing food and shelter; alleviating suffering and poverty; offering clothing and most importantly maintaining human dignity.

Within the framework of the CSOSA, it was realised that appeals of this nature needed to be treated sensitively and, in several instances, swiftly. As such, the humanitarian appeal sub-committee was established, under this current administration, to specifically provide assistance where needed.

Given this thrust, the Humanitarian Appeal sub-committee commenced a new drive to assist students whose parents have been experiencing difficulties throughout this pandemic, whether as a result of unemployment or working less hours.  Since March 2021, the sub-committee has assisted students who have been brought to our attention by the School’s Management, as well as old scholars and by extension parents alike with the purchasing of food, school supplies, paying of school fees and utility bills to ensure that students in the household were not placed at a disadvantage from remote learning. In a few instances, help was also given with medical bills.

A breakdown of donations, for the year thus far, is listed below:

1. March

a. Arranged a waiver for an old scholar by way of medical expenses.

2. May

a. Two students were adopted by three old scholars who contributed to daily expenses for meals, provided laptops as well as art supplies and uniforms. As the current situation remains unchanged, school fees will also be paid for the new term beginning in September.

b. A donation of a violin was made along with violin lessons to one student.

c. CSOSA paid the Internet bill for a student, to ensure ongoing participation in online classes.

3. June

a. A contribution was made, by an old scholar, of six months of food vouchers to assist a student whose the family was in dire need.

4. July

a. CSOSA paid for an old scholar to complete an online course.

b. CSOSA donated to an old scholar who lost his house and contents in Hurricane Elsa.

c. An old scholar donated a laptop to a former student pursuing studies at the UWI.

5. August

a. A student and her sister were adopted by two old scholars, who provided supplies for school, including uniforms, hygiene products in bulk, and paid school fees. A laptop device was arranged for the student through the Principal.

b. An old scholar paid for uniforms for a student and siblings.

The donations as listed above were made possible through the kind gestures of alumni, donating either to the Benevolence Fund or to individuals directly. Throughout the year, contributions have also been made through the General-Purpose Fund to those successfully pursuing studies overseas or on scholarship and who requested financial assistance for airfare or living expenses and books.

These past few months have highlighted the necessity for the Benevolence Fund in ensuring that we can assist our members. Yet we must ask ourselves: How can this be sustained? Imagine, if you will, if each one of us contributed Bds$10 per month or $120 per annum to the Benevolence Fund. There would be an ongoing accumulation of funds that could adequately support the requests for assistance throughout the year without having to make major appeals each time a request is made known.

If you are interested in adopting a student, please contact me or send a note to the president.  Additionally, if you are willing to make contributions to the benevolence fund you are reminded that payments can be through the online shop on the website Benevolence Fund | Combermere School Old Scholars Association (csosabarbados.com) or directly to our bank:

Name on Account: Combermere School Old Scholars

Account Number: 028030842001

Bank Transit Number: 006

Bank: Republic Bank Broad Street

SWIFT code: BNBABBBB

Please indicate what your transfer is for if you send money via the bank account.

Lives are in the making here, so let us continue to make a positive impact

Up and On!