M AY
2020
YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE
– Cazuca Davis thanks Victoria Mutual for ‘Labour for Learning’ initiative
E D ITO RS ’ MESSAGE
Clover & Dayton
It’s been an active month, Team. Even as COVID-19 has brought many aspects of life to a screeching halt, the VM Team has been actively executing on our mission to be a Model Corporate Citizen. Our ‘Labour for Learning’ Labour Day initiative saw us presenting 21 CSEC students from across this island with laptops outfitted with Microsoft Office and data-equipped cell phones. The response from recipients and the others has been tremendous. We use this edition to share one story from a recipient and photos of some other presentations. Let’s all celebrate the fact that 21 students who were struggling have been empowered to achieve their full potential. Let us know at VMCorporateAffairs@myvmgroup.com
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‘You have changed my life’ – Cazuca Davis thanks Victoria Mutual for ‘Labour for Learning’ initiative
Page 5 &6 Help is available
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‘YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE’ – Cazuca Davis thanks Victoria Mutual for ‘Labour for Learning’ initiative
When schools closed in March as part of effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, 17-year-old York Castle High School CSEC student, Cazuca Davis was hit particularly hard. The promising schoolboy who lives in humble circumstances with his mother in a community called Bellaire Meadows, St Ann was unable to participate in online classes. With various more pressing demands on the small family, Cazuca has never owned a laptop or even a cellphone. “Never. Even though I’m 17 years old. My mother is an amazing woman and it’s just me and her. Some days are a struggle, however, things seem to always work out because she works hard”, said Cazuca. With the July exams fast approaching, Cazuca was losing hope of performing well, even though his studies had been going very well before the shutdown. Things appeared hopeless. Then, Victoria Mutual stepped in. Cazuca was on of 21 students islandwide selected to receive Digital Education Kits as part of Victoria Mutual’s ‘Labour for Learning’ Labour Day initiative. The kits include a laptop with Microsoft Office Suite installed and a cell phone equipped with a three-month data plan. Cazuca is so well liked by the school family that when the surprise presentation was planned for him, several members of the school’s PTA turned up to share in the moment.
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Cazuca could scarcely contain his joy when he realised what was happening. “I am so grateful to be the recipient of a laptop and cell phone with data. Victoria Mutual has reminded me that no matter how hard life gets, it is our duty to get up and keep fighting because some day it will pay off. Today my hands were shaking and I was tearing up because I’ve realised my fight isn’t in vain,” he shared. “Gratitude is a must during this time. I never expected anything growing up, it shows hard work pays off as I was selected to receive this gift from Victoria Mutual”. Davis who loves to study Spanish and French shares that he wants to become an Immigration Officer one day. He is currently preparing to sit 8 CSEC subjects. Despite his circumstances he maintains a positive attitude and always strives to excel. “Victoria Mutual changed my life today with their generosity. I am feeling so much more prepared going into CSEC exams. This gift will help with online schooling. I am more comfortable at home now that I have information at my fingertips,” he said.
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LABOUR FOR LEARNING – SCENES FROM VM’S 2020 LABOUR DAY INITIATIVE
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