A Higher Education Scholarship distribution program was conducted for the children of members of the Don Bosco SHG Association, providing them with essential financial support to pursue their higher studies.
This year a total of 80 students benefitted from the scheme, each receiving ₹20,000 as an interest-free loan. The students are expected to repay the amount in 10 monthly instalments, and upon successful repayment, they become eligible to receive the same support again the following year. The scheme continues annually until the students complete their higher education. The significance of this scholarship amount is that it increases each year to match the growing cost of education.
The sustainability of this initiative is ensured by a Revolving Fund Model, where the repaid amounts are reinvested each year to support new or continuing students.
The financial support is made possible through two key contributors:
- Mr. Kulandai Francis, Founder and President of IVDP, Krishnagiri, who made a one-time donation of ₹8,00,000, which is used to support 40 students annually through this revolving loan model.
- The Salesian Province, which supports another 40 students every year through the Dr. Hauber Scholarship Scheme.
This noteworthy scholarship programmme has been running successfully since 2020, benefiting numerous students from economically challenged backgrounds.
A special highlight of the event was the introduction of the Gold Medal for Academic Excellence. Five students who scored above 90% in their 10th and 12th public examinations were honoured with 1-gram gold medals, awarded by Mr. Kulandai Francis. This new initiative aims to celebrate academic achievement and inspire other students to excel in their studies.
This event was a vibrant expression of Don Bosco’s enduring commitment to empowering youth through education, especially those from marginalized families associated with its SHG network.