The Heritage Petroleum Company Limited proudly launched its Heritage Education Resource Opportunity (HERO) scholarship programme on Wednesday, which will provide funding of up to $100,000 over a period of up to 10 years to support the education of top performing SEA students from primary schools within the company’s fenceline and whose families are socio-economically vulnerable.

The funding will go towards covering expenses for each student from Form One to the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree.

With the assistance of primary school principals and councilors from the fenceline communities, three very deserving students were selected for the inaugural distribution: Shequoiya George from Rancho Quemado Primary, Jehvanny Alfred from Erin Road Presbyterian Primary and Shakera Malchan from Santa Flora Primary. Parents of the selected students were on hand to sign an agreement that governs the programme.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Heritage, Reynold Ajodhasingh, expressed his pride at this inaugural HERO programme offered in these communities, as these opportunities were not available when he attended school. A former pupil of Erin Road Presbyterian Primary, Mr. Ajodhasingh urged parents in attendance, to help their children make the most of their natural brilliance, by supporting them in keeping their academic performance to a high standard. Chief Executive Officer, Arlene Chow, emphasized that the HERO programme was another signal of the company’s intention to support sustainable initiatives in fenceline communities.

“Our goal and our hope, is that these children become leaders who are able to be role models and give back to their communities in the future.” She also commended the parents for the contribution they have made into their children’s accomplishments thus far.

The Heritage Petroleum Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is intended to enhance stakeholder confidence and contribute to national development with a focus on its fenceline communities.