Barbados · Education · Community

Because every child deserves a piece of cheese on their bread.

COBI expands educational opportunities for Barbadian children — providing the tools, mentorship, and resources to help them thrive academically and beyond.

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"To whom much is given, much is required." — Daphne Young, matriarch & inspiration of COBI

Founded by Barbadians in the Diaspora

Focused on Educational Access

Community-Rooted & Values-Driven

Our Mission

Expanding opportunity
for Barbadian children

COBI was founded by Barbadians in the diaspora with a simple yet powerful mission: to expand educational opportunities for Barbadian children. By collaborating with organisations and individuals across Barbados, COBI provides the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to help children thrive.

We believe education is the great equalizer — and that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves a fair chance at a bright future.

Read our full mission

100%

Community-Funded

Every dollar donated goes directly toward supporting educational programmes for children in Barbados. We are a volunteer-run initiative with no administrative overhead.

Our History

She would literally go without to feed a stranger — that was our mother, Daphne Young.

COBI was inspired by the enduring legacy of Daphne Young and her mother Gertrude Murrell. Their unwavering faith, generosity, and spirit shaped not just a family, but a community. They gave from what little they had — and their example lives on in this initiative.

The name "Cheese on Bread" honours people like Ms. Marshall, the local shopkeeper who extended credit to struggling families, and Ms. Carter, who bought school bus tickets week after week — ensuring that children could keep learning, no matter what.

COBI strives to be that same piece of cheese for the next generation.

Read our full history

How We Help

Three pillars of support

We take a holistic approach to educational support — addressing resources, mentorship, and community partnership together.

Tools & Resources

Providing school supplies, learning materials, and access to technology so no child is held back by what they lack.

Mentorship

Connecting Barbadian children with mentors in the diaspora and at home who can guide them academically and professionally.

Community Partnerships

Collaborating with organisations across Barbados to scale our impact and reach the children who need it most.

Current Activities

What we're working on right now

UWI Undergraduate Scholarship — First Award 2026–2027

COBI has been approved by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Scholarship Committee, marking a significant milestone in our mission. We are now positioned to award our first scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year.

COBI is committed to supporting one UWI student each year with a stipend to assist with living and academic expenses over the course of a three-year undergraduate programme. The scholarship is awarded strictly on the basis of financial need, ensuring that it reaches students who would otherwise be unable to pursue a university education.

Annual Stipend USD $3,000

Programme Length 3 Years

First Award 2026–2027

Selection Basis Financial Need

Be someone's cheese on bread.

A small act of generosity can change the trajectory of a child's life. Your donation helps fund scholarships and educational support for Barbadian students who need it most.

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