Children participating in Summer Arts program.

For many young St. Lucians with the dream of pursuing higher education, the student loan application process can be a daunting one. In light of this, Bank of Saint Lucia organized a one day Student Open Forum on July 28th to demystify the student loan application process and to provide pertinent information, relevant to this important life decision.

Over forty students and prospective students engaged with bank staff in a relaxed atmosphere which allowed for the open exchange of information. Topics for the day included the Student Loan Process, Managing Your Finances, Maximizing Convenience Banking Services, the Campus Life Experience and the Importance of Health & Wellness.

The students were provided with detailed information on what is involved in the student loan process, from the preparation stage through to approval. That presentation was facilitated by Donna Hinkson the Sales and Service Manager at Bank of Saint Lucia Waterfront Branch.

According to Maria Fowell, Senior Manager for Marketing and Corporate Communications, “This forms part of our efforts to establish and maintain our relationships with our customers and potential customers. With this forum in particular, we know the student loan process can be a bit of a daunting one, especially for the young persons. By the end of today’s session, participants will have a greater understanding of the process involved in accessing student financing, how to leverage convenience services, how to effectively manage their student budgets and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

The students welcomed this exercise and in particular, the relaxed setting and the timing of the activity. For some it gives them enough time to process the information and to be adequately prepared for the actual student loan application process. This forms part of BOSL’s commitment to make the dream of tertiary education possible through affordable student financing and from a Corporate Social Responsibility mandate, to support programmes and initiatives aimed at developing the young people of Saint Lucia.