the inaugural recipients of a Model School enrollment placement and the tuition credits program in partnership with The University of
Winnipeg’s Model School. This is the first of a long-term plan between the two programs to help inner-city kids earn credits that can
be used towards higher education.
Grace Fanbullah, a 15-year-old player on the Jr. Wesmen team, has been
earned a place into the Model School. Grace, arrived in Canada from
Liberia only a few years ago. The Model School will provide Grace with
the educational support to help make her dreams of a University
education possible.
Three of Grace’s teammates - Martha Asmare, Nyakir Deng and Sabrina
Jermei - have been accepted into the Tuition Credit Program. This
program allows students to earn credits to help cover their tuition at
The University of Winnipeg. Credits are earned for their academic
efforts as well as for their commitment to the Jr. Wesmen basketball
program. This is just one part of the Opportunity Fund.
The Opportunity Fund was created to help close the education gap and
will help ensure that everyone, regardless of background and
socio-economic status, has access to higher education and opportunities.
In addition to the tuition credits, the fund includes bursaries for
students and micro financing for young, aspiring entrepreneurs. For more
information on the Opportunity Fund, please visit
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/opportunity-fund-index
Gerri Zacharias, the Director of the Model School, indicates that the
four 15-year-old students have shown the dedication and promise to
achieve their dreams and aspirations through higher education.
The Inner City Jr. Wesmen basketball program was created to bring
together involvement in sports with an opportunity for higher education.
Players in the program have an opportunity to receive tuition credits
for their involvement with the team and may be considered for the
acceptance into Model School program.
The Model School is a pilot project to provide select high-school
students with the extra attention they need to do well. Individualized
learning plans are written for every student which assists them to
develop to their fullest potential.
- 30 -
UWinnipeg is consistently ranked in the Top-10 in the country on an
annual basis by both Maclean’s Magazine and The Globe & Mail
newspaper. The University of Winnipeg is a leader in academic
excellence, Aboriginal education, environmental studies &
sustainability, and theatre & the arts. Find out more by visiting
www.uwinnipeg.ca
.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Geri Zacharias, Director, Model School, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.786.1924, E: g.zacharias@uwinnipeg.ca
Bob Axworthy, Head Coach, Inner City Jr. Wesmen
P:204.489. 0720