Antonio Bhikham, a former student of New Amsterdam Secondary School (NAMS), recently announced and rolled out his scholarship programme in November 2023.
Antonio told this publication, “It was something that was very close to my heart. I grew up with my many financial struggles and know that many students face similar circumstances. All I wanted at the time was to be given a fair chance just as everyone else, so my hope was to give students the opportunity without them having to worry about that aspect, just solely focusing on their exams.”
The main aim of the scholarship is to provide financial support for examination fees for both CXC and CAPE students at NAMS once they meet the necessary requirements. 
One of Bhikham’s main goals is identifying students who may be struggling to meet the financial requirements, but might be shy to speak up because they fear that someone may look down upon them or make fun of their economic situation. “Students at this age are sometimes in fear of asking because they feel as though it will be frowned upon. This programme will allow students to feel a sense of accomplishment and have more control of their situation. Instead of a handout, it will be earned,” Bhikham said.
Further he mentioned that at this current stage, the scholarship will be for students at the New Amsterdam Secondary School who will be writing CXC or CAPE. At the next sitting of those exams.
Priority will be given to students who are more in need of financial support, (details will be gathered through the essay and consultation with the leaders at the school).
“The student doesn’t have to be a top 10 student, but must be in good standing with the school and teachers and would have displayed a good work ethic in their approach to academics,” Bhikham added.
Though not a requirement, extracurricular activities may help a student’s case when Bhikham and team reviews their profile. A form will be at the school, it will require basic information such as: name, class/stream, address, contact information along with an essay (no word limit ) provided to Bhikham via email or social media or directly to the school.
Currently, it will be a one time scholarship, however a scholar can reapply for a next sitting, (e.g. An application for CXC then if they go on to do CAPE they can apply again). “There will be no expectations of the students, just that they do their best and give a good effort, that’s all we can ask, but keep in mind if they do good at the said exams – it encourages more efforts in helping to support even more students,” he stated.
Shivraj Persaud and Danielle Apallo (Photo courtesy of New Amsterdam Secondary School/Facebook)
Bhikham’s long term goal is to expand the scholarship to at least 5 other schools within the first 5 years, providing the same financial benefits.
New Amsterdam secondary via its Facebook page, published an update on the Antonio Bhikham Scholarship Programme. The first two recipients of the inaugural Antonio Bhikham Scholarship Programme are CAPE student Shivraj Persaud and CSEC student Danielle Apallo.
