Scholarship Program
Travelogue
Today we want to visit the school in Fulkharka to get an impression of its progress and the scholarships awarded. Since we're already in Bhumestan, it's not far – a 20-minute walk. But as soon as we're about to set off, it starts to rain heavily. So we decide to take the jeep after all.
We were greeted by Arjun. He proudly showed us the school's progress and gave us a tour. Two enormous buildings are under construction. Until now, the main building was the school's only proper building. As a result, the classes are scattered across all sorts of places (both real and unreal) in the surrounding area. After visiting various classrooms, I was officially welcomed in the headmaster's office. There, I was presented with a "token of love" as a thank you for supporting the young people.
The entire school has approximately 450 students. It is the only school in the region to offer grades 11 and 12. As a result, around 100 students are enrolled in these two grades. Each year, there are approximately 14-18 children in the region who, due to poverty, are unable to complete these two grades. Through our donations, we can support about eleven of these students each year so they can obtain a school-leaving certificate. After this conversation, I realize that just a little more would be enough to help all the children in need.
We then move to the computer room. Several students currently participating in the scholarship program are present. A few parents of former students are also there. Everyone wants to express their gratitude. A young woman asks if she may say something. Sunita stands up and begins her speech:
Thanks to the scholarship, my life has changed. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Now, three years later, I work as a lecturer at the school. With the money I earn, I can support my mother and sisters. For the students who receive the scholarship, it is their only chance at an educated life, a way out of poverty. Please continue this work, because it gives us hope and prevents so much suffering.
Sunita's words touched me so deeply that tears streamed down my face, even though I'm not usually one to get emotional. How often have I wondered at home in sheltered Switzerland whether our work is even worthwhile, whether I should continue it. Now I know for certain that I must continue.
A mother came and gave me Himalayan pepper from her garden. Her two daughters had successfully completed their schooling years ago thanks to our help and now also work as lecturers. A father proudly told me that his son was able to join the military after graduating. That, too, would not have been possible without the certificate and our support. I heard other success stories as well: a license for a hair salon, a full-time scholarship in Japan, and much more. All thanks to our program. Finally, a current student told me that he wants to run his own farm after completing his agriculture studies. That dispelled any remaining doubts I had about whether I should really continue with this.
