Media Release
Udupi, Jul 9: 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, July 8 in a brief function held at the conference hall, Bishop's House here.
The function was presided over by bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerlad Isaac Lobo. Anil Fernandes of Ferar, the former president of KCWA was the chief guest. Sr Veera Monis, coordinator of Children’s Development Programme was also present.
In his introductory-cum-welcome address, Fr Reginald Pinto, director of Sampada said that Rs 4.98 lac has been distributed to 32 students as interest-free educational loan sponsored by KCWA and Rs 1.79 lac has been given as educational assistance sponsored by Stichting, Netherlands, a charitable organization of Holland. Besides, four students were granted Rs 20,000 from the diocesan educational fund. Fr Reginald Pinto said that the amount for educational assistance from KCWA was made possible due to the efforts of the office-bearers of KCWA of last year led by Albert Pravin Menezes and this year led by Hilary Stephen Rego. Anil Fernandes representing the KCWA was present for the function.
Highlighting the importance of the educational assistance to the needy students, Fr Reginald Pinto advised the students to repay the loan by themselves by availing the facility of government scholarships that are granted to the minority communities so that other needy students could avail the benefit of educational assistance.
In his message, Anil Fernandes representing KCWA narrated the background of the educational assistance that has been provided by KCWA since the last 30 years to the needy students of undivided Mangaluru diocese to the tune of over three crores of rupees. Through his own example, Anil Fernandes said that it is not enough to get good marks in examination and that one should develop his or her own talents and 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 Mangaluru 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 certain amount of fund to Udupi diocese and especially mentioned about the role played by Anil Fernandes in getting the funds for the Udupi diocese. The bishop further said that every child in the diocese should get the 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 organizations such as KCWA. He made an appeal to the students to concentrate on education and better 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 proposed the vote of thanks.