Scholarships

Intelligence cannot be ignored, even in those angels in rags whom we often see as very poor by the side of our daily lives and whom we tend to ignore. Father Anthony Elenjimittam, our founder, always believed this, and worked tirelessly under the shade of trees to educate poor and over-age children who were rejected by many schools because of their poor, illiterate and over-age background.

The idea of providing a scholarship to an eligible student is part of the larger mission of St. Catherine of Siena: to make the life story of each and every child cared for, nurtured and moulded, so that the student receives the best opportunity to progress in their personal, professional and spiritual life. It provides ample space and time to help a student evolve as a better human being who can contribute to the welfare of family, community and nation. The primary aim of the scholarship is to reduce the financial burden on students and their poor families pursuing higher education. This is common in poor families as well as in remote villages, where families struggle with resources. The plight of students who are orphans, semi-orphans or abandoned makes the scene more desperate.

The solution is to provide a silver lining of hope and support, bringing a competitive and winning element to the programmes and projects run by St. Catherine of Siena and the Welfare Society for Destitute Children. The scholarship is the first step to solving the smaller problems a student faces as she or he embarks on an academic journey. It is also a great academic and financial boost for students who are vulnerable to social evils such as early marriage and child labour due to poverty, violence and abuse, addiction and crime. The scholarship is modelled on the life story of St. Catherine of Siena, who had no opportunity for formal education and is a role model and patron for various projects founded by Fr. Anthony Elenjimittam.

Our scholarships

Dr Allan Saldanha Educational Scholarship

The Dr Allan Saldanha Educational Scholarship is given to students who are academically not inclined and supports students enrolled in Project JO 20+. In Project JO 20+, students who are in difficulty get the opportunity to learn a trade from a very good institute, or to continue their studies to prevent dropping out. This is very important so that students do not feel left out of the mainstream, and are able to get better employment opportunities like others who are academically inclined. It is a crucial support for students from difficult backgrounds, helping them get back to the best opportunities for their personal and professional growth. This is a need-based scholarship, to help students in the hour of their difficulties.

Mrs. & Capt. Abraham Teacher Training Scholarship

The Mrs. & Capt. Abraham Teacher Training Scholarship is provided for students who are inclined to become educators or trainers in early childhood education and care. Students receive training from Shikshaa (Centre for Integral Education), an institute dedicated to the cause. The scholarship is provided based on final-year performance in board or university examinations (the minimum education to apply is grade 12 with a good percentage), excellent English language skills, creativity, an interest in psychology and human behaviour, and computer proficiency. The full course fee is supported, and this is a very good opportunity for students who want to pursue Early Childhood and Care Education at a reputed organisation. The scholarship is merit-based.

Smt. Kaushalya Nayar & Shri. Kahan Chand Nayar Scholarship for University Education for Eligible Girls

This scholarship is for eligible girls who perform very well in their studies, and is provided to university students who are part of the various higher education projects run by the Trust. It was instituted to make girls independent through excellent higher education and professional training. The aim is to mould caring and thinking women professionals. The scholarship is available to students for regular or professional graduation. The full course fee is supported, and this is a very good opportunity for young women to pursue their dream studies. The scholarship is merit-based.

Vikram Kodendera Scholarship

The Vikram Kodendera Scholarship is provided to eligible students who are focused on achieving a higher standard in their studies, and is mostly given to students from village backgrounds and projects. Students who are good in their studies and willing to put in hard work are considered, and it is specially instituted for students studying in grade 10. The grade 10 school fee is supported, and this is a good opportunity for students to build the skills and confidence to try for bigger scholarships through hard work and study.

Fr. Anthony Elenjimittam Educational Scholarship

The Fr. Anthony Elenjimittam Educational Scholarship is instituted for semi-orphan and orphan students who score 60% and above in their board or university exams. It is available for students studying for regular or professional graduation, and was instituted in the beloved and inspirational memory of the founder of the institute. It is available for students from the village projects at Murbad.

Fr. Anthony Elenjimittam Educational Scholarship for Post-Graduation and Research Studies

This scholarship is instituted to encourage the spirit of higher studies and research. The minimum qualification is graduation with good academic performance. Students who complete their education through the Project Age 22 are considered for this scholarship.

Project Age 22 Scholarship by SunshineKids Intl

This scholarship is provided to students pursuing higher studies up to university. Attending the monthly trainings, appearing for aptitude tests and career counselling is compulsory. This is a key area where students are challenged to make independent choices in education and career. There are three categories, based on the marks a student passes with.

Students receive the scholarship based on their annual performance in board or university examinations, language skills, psychological test results and computer proficiency.