Mangaluru: The KCWA in association with ICYM, YCM and YCS held a scholarship distribution programme at the Mangala Jyothi Auditorium, Bajjodihere, on June 20.
The programme began with an invocation. President of ICYM, Melreeda Rodrigues welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the students, Director of Pastoral Institute Fr Peter D’Souza said that sharing and caring is the nature of Christians. “Those who share their wealth, especially to educate the poor people in the society, are the best donors.” He further said that the KCWA is doing yeomen service to the society by encouraging students by supporting them financially. He advised the students to utilize the scholarship in a proper way and help other students when they complete their education. He congratulated the members of KCWA for their gesture in supporting the students through the scholarship.
Kuwait Canara Welfare Association member Pascal Montiero briefed on the activities of KCWA. Addressing the students, former President of KCWA, Anil Fernandes said that the KCWA was formed in 1988, with the intention of bringing all the Mangaloreans in Kuwait together. “At that time, Elias did not think that the association will reach this height. So far, the association has donated Rs 3 crore to various institutions. We have distributed scholarships to the students of Udupi and Mangaluru diocese. This is the second scholarship distribution programme. During the first scholarship distribution programme, we had donated Rs 8 lakh scholarship to 210 students and this time there are more than 200 students. We have donated Rs 10 lakh to the Computer Lab of St Agnes Special School and Rs 6 lakh to Specially Challenged children in Bellary. In January, to mark the silver Jubilee of KCWA, we had organized the ‘KalaSaanz’ programme through which we had collected Rs 30 Lakh. From the collected money, the association decided to have three projects, two for Udupi and one for Mangaluru. Out of the three projects, one is to build a Library and Computer Center for a school in Basrur, Rs 7 lakh to Udupi Diocese to train students interested in answering IAS and KAS examinations, and a scholarship distribution from the remaining amount to the ICYM, YCS and YSM students of Mangaluru Diocese.”
He further said, “ICYM is encouraging the youth to exhibit their talents. It has completely molded me. It helps to improve our leadership and develop skills.” He also urged the parents to encourage their children to join ICYM so that they will improve their leadership qualities and come to the mainstream. “KCWA is helping the ICYM, YSM and YCS students in their education through scholarship so that every member should pursue their education.” He also advised the students to help other students once they get a job.
Fr Henry Sequeira, Chancellor of Mangalore Diocese, speaking on the occasion said that all the KCWA members are not rich or have extra wealth to distribute scholarship. “The members are not wealthy but their intention is to educate the community children. They collect funds from the members and distribute the same to the students who cannot afford to pay the fees to pursue their education.” He also advised the students to utilize the scholarship amount in a proper manner and when they get a job, to help the poor students. He congratulated the members of KCWA for their yeomen service towards the society.
Director ICYM/YCS/YSM Fr Ronald D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks. Scholarships were distributed to more than 200 students by the members of KCWA. Founder President of KCWA Elias Saldanha, member Elias Sanctis and others were also present.
Congartulations KCWA and ICYM, YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese. All the best. Special thanks to Fr Ronald D’Souza, Director ICYM, YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese for taking trouble to organize this and all the council members of ICYM, YCS/YSM for their effort making this programme successful. Many needy students benefited from this Scholarship.