Bermuda may be a small island but it is full of unsung heroes — inspirational residents who are making a real difference in their communities and improving the lives of others, without expecting any recognition or praise. In a regular feature, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things.

When Cynthia Cox was looking for a way to give back to Bermuda she chose the greatest gift of all — education.

With help from friends, she launched the Knowledge Quest charity to provide scholarships to allow Bermudians with limited financial means to study overseas.

Twelve years later, more than 140 students have benefited from the initiative.

“Knowledge Quest is in an unusual position as a charity because every penny that the donors give us goes to the scholarships,” she said. “We don’t have overheads like an office; every penny goes to the kids.

“We started because we wanted to help Bermuda. It’s such a special place and yet it has challenges. But you feel that, because it’s so small, you can make a big difference.

“We thought, ‘What can we do that would make a real difference?’ Education for all Bermudians. It’s a great equaliser, something that can really boost a country, and it also has a huge trickle-down effect.

“Initially, we were going to help one person for four years and each give $2,000 a year. We went to Bermuda College, students who already had a year or two under their belt, and got all these applications — we couldn’t say no to these guys.”

With generous donations from local companies and its own investment, Knowledge Quest sent seven students away in their first year.

“And at least that many every year since then,” said Ms Cox, a Bermudian. “Donors love that all the money goes to the scholarships.”

Knowledge Quest gives its funding on a means-tested basis — a “last resort” for students who cannot afford to study.

On average, those assisted have spent a year or two at Bermuda College and are earning B grades — straight As are elusive because they are also working for pay their way through school, so study time is reduced. With their salaries going on room, board and tuition, savings for further education are limited. Applicants also need to have applied for at least five other scholarships to be considered.

“We also try to choose students who are in viable professions in Bermuda,” Ms Cox said. “If you want to be a clothes designer or something that doesn’t have jobs available in Bermuda, we’re not going to favour you. We also favour schools that are respected.”

While at school, the students are paired with mentors in Bermuda who are in the profession they wish to pursue.

Mentors, including Ms Cox, also try to offer career advice to students with particular skills, helping them to identify a field with opportunities in Bermuda, such as underwriting and law.

“Like, if you’re good with numbers, consider accountancy,” Ms Cox said. “There are thousands of those jobs in Bermuda mostly taken up by expatriates. Get an accounting degree and you’re set here.

“Our mentoring programme is a major positive aspect of Knowledge Quest. The mentors help with job opportunities, with classes, with CVs.

“We have parties twice a year and bring all the students, mentors and donors together. It’s a huge opportunity to network.”

Ms Cox, 55, from Devonshire, is one of a number of dedicated and hard-working volunteers at Knowledge Quest, including board members Ricky Lines, Kathy Lines, Gigi Barit, and Knowledge Quest graduate Eneye Jatto, who have expertise in finance and accounting, IT and law.

Aside from giving hours of her time to the charity, Ms Cox is a “devoted” mother to Eleanor, 11, and the manager of the Bermuda office of Cheyne Capital International Ltd, an investment fund management company.

With Knowledge Quest, she hopes to give other Bermudians “the opportunities I’ve had and that Eleanor has”.

Away from the world of education, Ms Cox is on the board of Masterworks and her daughter’s love of nature inspired her to volunteer with the Green Team at Somersfield Academy.

As well as being a way to spend time with her beloved child, she said the role enabled her to help the Island.

“We’re doing everything we can to be as green as possible,” she said. “The children and teachers are all involved.

“Eleanor is a nature lover, she loves the ocean and animals, especially cats and horses. The extra-curricular activities at Somersfield are a way to spend more time with her and it’s good for Bermuda. I’m so devoted to Eleanor.”

As for Knowledge Quest, Ms Cox hopes it can continue to help her fellow Bermudians receive the education they deserve.

“I never imagined in my wildest dreams the charity would grow to this,” she said. “The benefits far outweigh all the work; it’s well worth it.

“I hope the students we help pay it forward and do something great for Bermuda or for your fellow man.”

For more information about Knowledge Quest, visit www.knowledgequest.bm.

Do you know someone who is dedicated to making the Island a better place? Is there a good Samaritan who selflessly helps others? A volunteer working tirelessly for charity? E-mail lmcgrath@royalgazette.com or call 278-0157.