To some students in the United States, going to school is a drag and a bore. However, to students in the West Indies, going to school is a privilege. Although tuition is $3,000 dollars at the University of West Indies, approximately 400% less than tuition in America, it is still unaffordable for many. The University of West Indies educates students from fifteen countries in the English speaking Caribbean, including Anguilla, Barbados and the Bahamas. Presently, less than 6% of people living in the English speaking Caribbean have a tertiary education. Many students are eligible to obtain a higher education but do not have the necessary funds. The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) is dedicated to increasing educational possibilities for the West Indian people by raising money through fundraisers in the United States. AFUWI established the $1-A-Day Drive to bring people together and collectively increase the number of West Indian students who can afford to attend college.

AFUWI unveiled the $1-A-Day Drive in March of 2012. The purpose of the program is to raise money to support projects, scholarships and academic programs at the University of the West Indies. Chairman of the AFUWI Partnership Board, Lowell Hawthorne says, “We’re pleased to be hosting another fundraiser in an effort to foster the academic pursuits of underprivileged students.” The goal is to raise enough money for the tuition of 100 West Indian students for the 2013-14 school year. The drive encourages people to aid a student by dispensing $1 a day into their scholarship fund. Sponsors can also make their donations by paying $30 monthly, $92 quarterly, $183 semiannually, or $365 yearly.

The University of the West Indies Alumni Association (UWIAA) hosted a Mix and Mingle fundraising event to promote the $1-A-Day Drive on July 27th. It provided an opportunity for guests to enjoy good food and entertainment while also supporting an admirable cause. The event was located in Florida at the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill. Special guests included Professor Gordon Shirley, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of The University of West Indes, Mona Campus, members of the AFUWI Board and other distinguished guests from the UWI. AFUWI encourages anyone who intends on sponsoring a student to participate in the $1-A-Day Drive. You can donate by going to www.afuwievents.org or calling 212-759-9345.