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Zonta Club of New Providence sustains Educational Endowment for transformational impact
By University of The Bahamas, Office of University Relations
Apr 6, 2021 - 10:07:27 AM

From left are: Claudine Farquharson, Member Fundraising Committee, Zonta; Cherise Archer, Treasurer, Zonta; Marisa Mason-Smith, Zonta Past President and the University’s Ombudsman; Kandice Eldon, Executive Director, Corporate Foundation Relations, UB; Teniel Rolle, Development Officer, Office of Development, UB; and Jessica Stubbs, Board Member, Zonta.

New Providence, The Bahamas – The Zonta Club of New Providence has a long and distinguished record of creating opportunities for women and girls throughout The Bahamas. Zonta’s mission is to empower and advance the status of women - politically, academically, socially and spiritually.  One of the ways in which Zonta has consistently done this is through its Betty Kelly Kenning Endowment Fund established since 2010 at the University of The Bahamas (UB). This endowment is earmarked for women between the ages of 25-45 to pursue and complete their tertiary education. To date seven women have completed their bachelor's degree in various disciplines at the University. Of significance, is that these women are all first-time recipients of tertiary degrees within their families.  

On 11th March 2021, Zonta made another donation of $5,000 to UB that will positively impact mature, female students at the University. The $5,000 donation increases the capacity of the endowment fund to support the tertiary educational pursuits of women in perpetuity.


“This presentation adds to the existing endowment fund established 10 years ago at the University of The Bahamas that educates women who may not have the opportunity to complete their tertiary studies. These funds are the result of Zonta’s major fundraising event, its annual Wine Dinner and signature project, which was held on 5th December 2020, says Past President of Zonta and the University’s Ombudsman Ms. Marisa Mason-Smith.

Over the years, scholars – who had already earned an associate’s degree and were enrolled in a bachelor degree programme at the University – have successfully transitioned into their careers. Scholarships offered through the fund are specifically for women aged 25 or older who have a financial need.

“The Zonta Club of New Providence has demonstrated through the establishment and continued support of this endowment fund that it believes in the transformative power of education,” notes Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Kandice Eldon. “Earning a university degree is a life changing achievement for our graduates, their families and their communities. We thank Zonta for its leadership and partnership with UB.”

Seven women have earned their bachelor’s degree as a result of the Betty Kelly Kenning Endowment Fund at UB.

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