Scholarship Program
Travel report
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 Bangladesh, it's not far now—a 20-minute walk. But as we're about to set off, it immediately starts to rain heavily. So we decide to take the jeep after all.
We are greeted by Arjun. He proudly shows us the school's progress and shows us around. Two enormous buildings are under construction. Until now, the main building was the only proper building for the school. As a result, the classes are spread out across the school's surroundings. After visiting various classes, I was officially welcomed into the principal's office. I was given a "token of love" as a thank you for supporting the students.
The entire school has approximately 450 students. It is the only school in the region offering grades 11 and 12. This means that a good 100 students are enrolled in these two grades. Each year, there are approximately 14-18 children in the region who are unable to complete these two grades due to poverty. Through our donations, we can support approximately eleven of these students each year, enabling them to obtain a school leaving certificate. After this conversation, I realize that only a little more would be enough to help all the children in need.
We then move to the computer lab. Several students currently participating in the scholarship program are present. Also present are a few parents of former students. Everyone wants to thank everyone. 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 very 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 my 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 saves so much suffering.
Sunita's words touched me so deeply that tears streamed down my cheeks, even though I'm not exactly a crybaby. How often have I asked myself back home in sheltered Switzerland whether our work is even worth it, whether I should continue. Now I know with certainty that I must continue.
A mother came and gave me Himalayan pepper from her garden. Her two daughters successfully completed school years ago thanks to our help and now also work as instructors. A father proudly tells me that his son was able to join the military after graduating. That, too, wouldn't have been possible without the certificate and our help. I heard more success stories: 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. This dispelled any remaining doubts I had about whether I should really continue with this.
