Gift Of Life

A Committee is established, comprising of: the school principal, a board member, a school parent whose child is not applying for a scholarship, and an independent community member interested in the well-being of the children. This dedicated committee oversees the scholarship distribution process - and is accountable to the larger foundation through transparent ledgers.

 

Scholarship applications are provided to all students. Families seeking financial assistance submit the application with detailed information regarding household members, monthly household income, employment history and assets (e.g. television, refrigerator, motor bike etc.). Primary focus is given to the economic situation of the family – only families with a total household income below the parameters set by the board are considered for scholarships. The income parameter for the 2017-2018 academic year is set at Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 15,000 (Approximately $180 - $230) per month. They are reevaluated every year. Exceptions to this income limit are made in only very rare cases. 

 

In addition, home visits are made to each of the applicant families to gather further insight into their economic and social resources. Factors not easily revealed through a formal application are ascertained through the home visits, such as the condition of the house, prominence of the neighborhood, support given to or received by joint family members, and side sources of income.

 

Based on the applications, home visits, and the committee’s recommendations; the board determines which of the families are most in need of assistance and distributes scholarships accordingly. Scholarships are initially made available to only one child per family. In extreme cases of need, consideration is given to awarding additional scholarships to children within the same family. Families are notified that their child has received a scholarship, but scholarship funds are given directly to the school on the behalf of the child to ensure no loss in support for the child from the donor. Constant monitoring and mentoring is provided during the child’s tenure at school.