In Canada, we are very blessed to enjoy publicly-funded education right up to grade twelve and a variety of post-secondary vocational and academic institutions to choose from. However, education in the developing world is not as accessible. If available at all, most ‘formal’ learning ends at approximately the grade eight level (and for girls it is often lower than this, as they are needed to stay home and take care of younger siblings). For those who live in poverty, continuing beyond this basic level is often unimaginable, as parents must pay for tuition, a uniform and books. And most often youth and young adults are required to work in order to help support their families.

Chalice’s scholarship programme is helping to change this. Now it is possible for deserving students to apply for financial assistance to continue their education. Scholarships help offset the expenses of tuition and books for both secondary and post-secondary learning, and can in some cases also assist with travel and living costs if the student has to live away from his/her community to attend school.

However, it takes special effort on the part of the student and the parents (or guardians), to be eligible to receive Scholarship funds. Chalice expects them to exhibit an attitude of commitment to education and community service. Candidates are expected to study diligently as well as serve their community. The parents or guardians, where possible, are expected to participate in the events prepared for them and to support the commitment and efforts of their children.

Scholarship recipients are also expected to write a letter at the close of each school year in which they describe their study experiences, the curriculum, experience in community service, and a brief thank you message for the donors who made the scholarship possible.

Over time, the students who receive ‘higher’ learning will have more opportunties for better jobs, and hopefully they will also value community service and want to find ways to help not only their own families out of poverty, but also those of their neighbours in their community.

Meet two of our recent young scholarship recipients, Georgee and Lata.

If you value education and want to support a deserving and bright student to go beyond the basic level of grade 6 or grade 8, please call 1-800-776-6855 and ask to speak to Peter Gordon. Or you may wish to forward your donation with a note that allocates it to the Scholarship Programme to 445 Sackville Drive, Suite 1, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2S1.