KCWA Distributes Educational Assistance to Needy Students of Udupi Diocese
Udupi: Sampada Udupi in collaboration with Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) and Goretti Stichting, Netherlands distributed Educational Assistance to 32 students of the Udupi Diocese on Saturday, 8 July 2017 at 4:00 pm in a brief function held at the Conference Hall, Bishops House, Udupi.
Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerlad Isaac Lobo presided over the programme. Anil Fernandes, Ferar, former President of KCWA was the chief guest. Sr Veera Monis, Coordinator of Children’s Development Programme was also present.
In his introductory and welcome address, Fr Reginald Pinto, Director of Sampada said that Rs 4,98,000 has been distributed to 32 students as interest free educational loan sponsored by KCWA and Rs 1,79,000 has been given as educational assistance sponsored by Stichting, Netherlands, a charitable organisation of Holland. Besides, four students were granted Rs 20,000 from the Diocesan Educational Fund. The amount for Educational Assistance from KCWA was made possible due to the efforts of former office bearers of KCWA led by Albert Pravin Menezes and the present office bearers led by Hilary Stephen Rego. Anil Fernandes representing the KCWA was also present.
Highlighting the importance of educational assistance to the needy students, Fr Reginald Pinto advised the students to repay the loan themselves by availing the facility of Government Scholarships that are granted to the minority communities so that other needy students could also avail the benefit of educational assistance.
In his message, Anil Fernandes representing KCWA narrated the background of the Educational Assistance and said that KCWA has been providing Educational Assistance since the last 30 years to needy students of the undivided Mangalore Diocese to the tune of over Rupees three crore. Through his own example, Anil Fernandes said that it is not enough to get good marks in the examination and that one should develop his or her own talents to face the competitive world and achieve success in life.
He further said that as a student of St Aloysius College, he became the ICYM President of Mangalore Diocese that gave him ample opportunities to develop his talents and leadership qualities. He became the president of KCWA at a very young age and with the support of other members could lead the association successfully.
Bishop Gerald Lobo narrating the circumstances that prompted him to seek Educational Assistance from KCWA appreciated the willingness of KCWA to contribute funds to Udupi Diocese. He specially mentioned the role played by Anil Fernandes in getting the funds for the Diocese. The Bishop further said that every child in the diocese should get minimum education up to degree or equivalent Diploma and no one should stop his or her education due to lack of money. Hence, he made it a point to seek assistance from organisations such as KCWA. He made an appeal to the students to concentrate in their education and improve their own lives and that of their families.
Anil Fernandes gave away the Educational Assistance to the students through cheques.
Stany Fernandes compered the programme and Roshal Saldanha delivered the vote of thanks.