Scholarship program
Travel report
Today we want to visit the school in Fulkharka to get an impression of its progress and the scholarships it has awarded. Since we are already in Bhumestan, it is not far away. 20 minutes walk. But as we want to set off, it immediately starts to rain heavily. So we decide to take the jeep.
We are received by Arjun. He proudly shows us the progress of the school and shows us around. Two huge buildings are under construction. Until now, the main building was the school's only real building. This means that the classes are spread across everything possible (and impossible) in the area around the school. After we had visited various classes, I was officially welcomed in the principal's room. I was presented with a “token of love” as a thank you for the support of the young people.
The entire school has around 450 students. It is the only school in the region that offers levels 11 and 12. This means that around 100 students are enrolled in these two levels. Every year there are around 14-18 children in the region who are unable to complete these two levels due to poverty. Through our donations, we can support around eleven students each so that they can graduate from school with a certificate. After this conversation, I realize that just a little more would be enough to help all children in need.
We then move to the computer room. Some students who are currently participating in the scholarship program are present. Also present are a few parents of former students. Everyone wants to say thank you. A young woman asks if she can say something. Sunita stands up and begins her speech:
Thanks to the scholarship, my life changed. I am very grateful for this opportunity. Now, three years later, I work as a lecturer at the school. With the money I now earn I can support my mother and my sisters. For the students who receive the scholarship, it is the only chance for an educated life, a way out of poverty. Please continue this work because it gives us hope and saves so much suffering.
Sunita's words touched me so much that tears began to fall, even though I'm not built close to the water. How often have I asked myself at home in sheltered Switzerland whether our work is even worth it and whether I should continue it. Now I know for sure that I have to continue this.
A mother came and gave me Himalayan pepper from her garden. Thanks to our help, her two daughters were able to successfully complete school years ago and now also work as lecturers. A father proudly says that his son was able to join the military after graduating. This would not have been possible without a certificate and our help. I heard other success stories: a license for a hairdressing salon, a full-time scholarship in Japan, and much more. All thanks to our program. Last but not least, a current student tells me that he wants to run his own farm after studying agriculture. This also eliminated the last doubts as to whether I should really continue with this.
