Eight more students were given scholarships to assist in their education by Knowledge Quest.

The new recipients for 2009/2010 are Elmo Burrows, Alexa Lightbourne, Vanessa Paulos, Chakeya Ottley, Alisha Maria Gabrial, Melissa Spurling, Jahmila Bascome, Edmeiko Butterfield, Runnette Hill, Tashae Harvey and Kalilah Mills.

This newspaper spoke with Mr. Burrows and Miss Spurling about the award.

Mr. Burrows, who is studying to be an information systems specialist, said he heard about Knowledge Quest online.

"I heard about KQ through www.scholarships.bm and a gentleman by the name of Derrick Smith who was assisting me in getting a scholarship through the advice of the NTB."

Asked how the scholarship will help him further his education, the 26-year-old said: "It has given me an opportunity to better help myself and, in the long run, my family - financially and also proving to my nieces and nephews that education is important and achievable. It also has served as an incentive to strive even more for things that I once considered unattainable."

He said he would not be able to attend school without the scholarship and added: "I would like to thank them for the opportunity and for choosing me. They have showed that they have faith in me to correct the mistakes I've made in the past and that I will do my best to thank them.

"I would also like to tell them that I am honoured and that I will be making steps to become more involved and help this organisation to help as much people obtain their dreams of further education."

Miss Spurling, 20, also heard about the scholarship on the Internet and said: "Without the scholarship, finding funds to pay for school would have placed a huge burden on my parents. They are very hardworking people and I am extremely happy that the scholarship will help to relieve some of the financial pressure on them."

She is studying political science, history and English at the University of Toronto.

Miss Spurling thanked the charity and said: "I am extremely grateful to have received the scholarship and I am honoured to be chosen among many other talented applicants.

"The Knowledge Quest Scholarship helps its recipients in many ways. It relieves some of the burden of paying for higher level education but beyond that its also a huge confidence booster. It's very encouraging to know that someone can look at what I have accomplished so far and believe in me enough to make such a generous investment in my future."

The charity is currently assisting 31 students between the ages of 19 and 41. They will have provided assistance to 81 students since its conception in 2001 to earn degrees in the US, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and Australia.

Knowledge Quest was created to assist Bermudians of limited financial means to earn degrees abroad.

A spokesman said: "Knowledge Quest believes that the best opportunity for all Bermudians to achieve their full potential is through education. Funding is generously provided by foundations, companies and individuals.

"Knowledge Quest also provides mentorships and assistance with resume preparation and business introductions for students. Students must first have applied to a minimum of five other scholarships before applying to Knowledge Quest for funding."