History

The Pilgrim Overseas Missionary Society scholarship program for Guyanese school children began in 2004 when the membership became greatly concerned about the academic preparation children in Guyana. Anecdotal stories of the difficulties children faced to attend and remain in school came to the attention of the membership. After extensive discussions, the executive committee proposed to the body to set up a scholarship program to provide a selected number of these students with annual scholarship.  These scholarships would assist in paying transportation, buying school books, and other amenities while the children were attending secondary school. Since the scholarship program began five years ago, 20 Guyanese students have benefitted from scholarships offered by POMS.

Selected scholars each receive $600US annually to help defray school expenses such as travel, books, and meals.

Fourteen (14) students currently receive scholarships since the others have already completed their CXC exams. Two graduates of the program have began pursuing studies at the University Of Guyana. 

Application Procedure

The Director of Christian Education in the Guyana Wesleyan Church District is the Guyana liaison for the scholarship program. The Director works closely with the pastors of the various churches to identify individuals in their local churches for the scholarships. They distribute applications for the scholarship to their parishioners at the commencement of each academic school year, which is in September.

Students complete and submit their applications for the scholarships in January of each year, and they must meet stringent eligibility requirements in order to be selected. These include the submission of a written essay, attendance at a local Sunday school or youth program, a pastor’s recommendation, and acceptance into a high school. The director evaluates the applications to ensure they are complete and are in order.  All applications for the scholarships are then forwarded to POMS who determines which applicants would be selected to receive the scholarships. The number of scholarships offered each year depends on the number of sponsors who are willing to accept sponsorship for the scholarship.

Types of Scholarships

To give more individuals an opportunity to participate in the program, several categories of scholarship sponsoring have been recently developed. By creating these categories, it is hoped that a greater number of individuals would now find it easier to contribute to the scholarship program.

Full Sponsorship

The first category is the Full Sponsor category. In this category, persons make a $600US annual contribution to sponsor student to attend secondary school. Payments could be made annually either as a one-time payment, or in two semi-annual installments.  The deadlines for all contributions are in November and May of each year.  

Co-sponsorship

Co-sponsorship is the second category when two or more individuals join together to make the $600US annual contribution. Persons may select others to co-sponsor with them, or, on the other hand, they could let us know if you would prefer to share the cost with one or two other individuals and would solicit others who might be interested in the co-sponsorship.

General Sponsors is the third category when individuals pledge to make a fixed annual contribution to the Scholarship General Fund. Contributions of any amount can be made towards this general scholarship fund. Keep in mind, however, that the deadlines for all scholarship contributions are November and May of each year.

Persons interested in becoming sponsors may contact:

Mrs. Gloria VanDecruze

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Ms. Sharon Richards

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