“Village To College” a novel scholarship programme initiated by Village To College Foundation, founded by Dr.Gabriel Fernandes Texas, USA, for the needy students of Barkur later extended to the very needy students at St.Mary's Syrian College (SMS) Brahmavar, and Milagres College, Kallianpur.
All together 30 scholarships amounting to Rs.60000 were given to the students of SMS College, Brahmavara, Milagres College, Kaiianpur and 6 needy students from the church of St.Peter, Barkur.
Established very successfully for the past 8 years giving close to Rs 70- 80,000 each year at Barkur College alone, this programme was initiated in a small way, first at Barkur Parish over 12 years ago, by Dr. Fernandes, Professor of the Department of Medicine at the University of Texas, with the kind co operation of then Parish priest, Rev Fr Benjamin D’Souza.
Although living standards are much improved around Barkur, several needy families looking forward eagerly to receive help to pay their tuition fees each year. Many students who were the recipients of Village to College Scholarships have already graduated and found jobs to support their poor parents. It is the foundation desire to extend this activity Brahmvar and Kallianpur along with Barkur.
Dr. Fernandes appreciates very much the help of Kishore Gonsalves and Alwyn Andrade local representatives for the Village to College Foundation, Prof. Rajshekar Hebbar, Principal, Smt. Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government First Grade College Barkur, Prof.K.Narayanan, Principal, and Daniel Montheiro, Head Clerk, SMS College Brahmavar, Dr.Neri Cornelio, Principal, and Augustine Arun Dias, Physical Director, Milagres College, Kallianpur in facilitating in expanding this program to benefit very needy students to complete their College education.
The foundation also thanks the recent donors for helping towards scholarships. For more details and the names of the donors, please visit the website www.villagetocollegefdn.org