Carolyn Borges is the first recipient of Mapleton Towship’s new cultural exchange bursary.
Borges, 20, of Drayton, is entering her third year of studies at St. Jeromes University in Waterloo and is now attending the University of Nantes, in Nantes, France, enrolled in the International Relations, French Program.
“I am very pleased to recommend to council the approval of the township’s first application under the new cultural bursary program,” stated CAO Patty Sinnamon at the Sept. 24 council meeting.
Sinnamon noted the township’s management team reviewed the application and concurred it meets the criteria for the $500 bursary.
In an essay presented as part of the application process, Borges stated she would be “honoured to be acknowledged by the Township of Mapleton through a cultural bursary.”
Borges plans to specialize in teaching French in a rural elementary or secondary school.
“I have interest in continuing to live and work in a rural community such as the Township of Mapleton and the towns and townships in Wellington County,” stated Borges, who added she “wants to give back to the community that I grew up in by sharing my passion for the French language and culture.”
She also noted one of her long-range goals is “the creation of a French club in our community to further inspire students or children to take interest in the French culture.”
The application was unanimously approved by council.
