Local Student Wins National Union of Public and General Employees Scholarship

Local Student Wins National Union of Public and General Employees Scholarship

St. John’s, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) President Carol Furlong is extending congratulations to Nicole Kennedy of Spaniard’s Bay, daughter of NAPE member John Kennedy, who won the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians.

“We are delighted and proud that the child of a NAPE member was awarded as one of this year’s national scholarship recipients,” said Furlong. “What makes it even more exciting is that Nicole’s brother Michael won the National Union’s Tommy Douglas Scholarship last year. I believe it is the first time in the National Union’s history that this has happened and we are quite excited about this achievement.”

Nicole was awarded the national scholarship for her essay on how public services supported the Aboriginal population of Canada in the areas of education, housing, employment, and justice systems, pointing out that:

“It is the effective delivery of (public service) supports..that enhance the

quality of life of Aboriginal Canadians…. (While recognizing that) disparities

exist between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in Canada….

recognition is first and foremost key in continuing to provide and build upon

public services afforded to our Aboriginal population.”

Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees, of which NAPE is component union, offers four scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are offered to the children /grandchildren and foster children / grandchildren of current or retired National Union’s 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education in a public educational institution. The NUPGE Scholarships are valued at $1500.

“This is a very competitive scholarship process with applicants from affiliated unions across the country. It speaks volumes about the caliber of our young students and is a wonderful reflection, not just on NAPE, but our entire province,” said Furlong.

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For further information please contact:

Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

(phone) 709.570.2501             (cell) 709.631.9737                 (e-mail) kdunne@nape.nf.ca