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Udupi : 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, 8 July 2017 at 4 pm in a brief function held at the Conference Hall, Bishops House, Udupi. 

The function was presided over by Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. 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, 98,000 has been distributed to 32 students as  interest free educational loan sponsored by KCWA and Rs. 1,79,000 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.

 n 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 Mangalore 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 Mangalore 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  compeered  the programme and  Ms. Roshal Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks.