Assist a Student 2005 SUPPOR TERS’ NEWSLETTER here is no doubt in my mind, after having visited developing countries that are part of the Assist a Student program, that there is immense benefit and value being added to the lives of the beneficiaries.
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Visits to schools where beneficiaries attended revealed the depth of their gratitude. A full ceremony was afforded to myself and other St Vincent de Paul Australia representatives. However, this was not about pomp and grandeur. It represented an opportunity for the students and the wider school community to express their gratitude and impress upon their guests the value of the education they were receiving. However, it was the students' speeches that caused us to smile, shed a tear and become inspired. Here were students who clearly felt insecure and uncomfortable about speaking in front of a large group, in a foreign tongue, addressing visitors from Australia. Yet, without fail, and with determination over their faces, each and every student that was benefiting from the Assist a Student program wanted to have their chance to say 'thank you'. And that they did. Afterwards, we were taken to visit the homes of the beneficiaries. The clean and presentable uniforms that were on Assist a Student Distribution of Funds 2003-2004 During the past 12 months the program has assisted 3072 students in Asia and the Pacific. Your gifts have been distributed as follows:
show at the schools had all vanished. At times it was almost incomprehensible that these beautiful students lived in the conditions that we were met with. Homes that were barely the size of a bedroom, back home in Australia, were a common sight, with six or seven family members squeezed in. Living space was often shared with stray dogs and cats. On numerous occasions, families would remove tables and chairs just so there was enough space for us to enter the house. I had never met any of these people before, they were complete strangers to me, yet I felt an overwhelming sadness as I tried to rationalise their situation. None of our fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters, should have to live like this. After a couple of hours spent making short visits, one was left with an uncomfortable feeling. I asked one of the students how she felt about these fleeting visits from strange people who came from a world far away. I told her that if it was me, I would be resentful – what is the point of a 10 minute visit? Without hesitation, the reply came back, "I feel blessed that you and the Australians have come to my house. We are so lucky because you care." The look in her eyes told me that she genuinely meant what she said. Though far away, the fact that so many Australians care enough to contribute to the Assist a Student program means so
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Children of Payatas at home
much to the beneficiaries. They feel blessed that someone, from a completely different world, feels strongly enough to take an interest in their lives, even if just for 10 minutes. The Assist a Student program is providing tremendous benefit to the students. Whenever visits are made to developing countries we are constantly made aware that families see education as a way out of poverty. It provides hope and a reason to endure life in a situation that can at times, feel helpless. This rationale has led to an unprecendented demand on our Assist a Student program. An annual donation of $70 per student assists with education and training in one of our twinned partner countries. I want to thank you for your continued support of the program and hope that many others will be also feel compelled to take an interest in the lives of our fellow human beings. James Lee Young Australian of the Year (Victoria) 2003 Assist a Student is a program run by St Vincent de Paul Society Australia. This newsletter is produced annually. Any contributions to the newsletter are welcome and should be forwarded to: The Editor, Assist a Student PO Box 373, Summer Hills NSW 2130
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Letters from Students in Overseas Countries Assist a Student Just $70 per year will assist students in Asia and the Pacific to receive an education and give families hope for the future. The Assist a Student program provides help to students in the following countries: Caroline Islands India Myanmar Papua New Guinea Thailand
Fiji Indonesia Pakistan Philippines
Dear Sponsor,
Dear Sponsor,
I would like to thank you for all your support over the years. I would like to share my story with you. I come from a broken family, we were abandoned by our father. I have four brothers and I'm the only girl, the eldest of five siblings. My mother is a laundrywoman.
How very lucky I am to be remembered by you, even though you are very busy with your studies and work.
I admire my mother very much because she's the one who is always there for us. She supports our needs even though I know that she feels very tired. Being the eldest of the family, I'm the bread and butter, I want to help my family. I have also so many problems, not only about my family but I'm still hoping that everything would be ok. You and the St Vincent de Paul Society give me strength and hope to pursue my studies. I admire your courage and love in supporting me. Maybe someday I can go to Australia to see you and the conditions there.Thank you. Nonette, aged 18
EDITOR’S NOTE For most of the students in this program, English is their second language. The letters on these pages have been left in the writer’s English to illustrate the effort each writer has given to convey their thanks to all who support the program. We hope you are touched by their heartfelt wishes.
Dear Sponsor,
About my schooling, I am doing well and listening carefully to my teacher. I am studying hard to maintain my good marks and grades at my school. Thank you for everything. Without you, I would not feel as free in my life.
A special and warm greetings from me and my family. All of us are happy that you are giving support for us. It is a great blessing to have a friend like you, even though you are so far. And expect that I always study hard and I will always keep you here in my heart.
Thank you again and God Bless You.
Take care!
Patrick, aged 10
Mary Joy, aged 9
Dear Sponsor, I hope you are fine. I am okay. I am studying hard at school. You know, I'll be forever grateful for all the support the sponsorship has given me. I really really appreciate it so much. Yes it's true that over here, we wear our best smile, even though life is so harsh to us. We are used to it. That is one way of keeping alive and moving against everyday struggle. Thank you for being with us, in mind and in heart. Mario, aged 20
Short prose, written by sponsored students: "Everyday we face our problems, We smile because we have to, We laugh because we need toEven in hardship and poverty We find enough reason to laugh and smile But now, your support makes us smile Not because we have to But because we mean it. We laugh not because we need to But because we know someone really cares and loves us And we thank you for being that reason and our inspiration."
Letters from Students in Overseas Countries Dear Sponsor, Hi! It's me Judith, how are you? I hope you are fine and your family too. As for myself, I'm doing okay and so is my sister.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can we choose the student? The students are chosen by the St Vincent de Paul Society of the partner country. We do not interfere with that.
You know, my father died two months ago now. I'm sad but I have to be strong and at peace for my sister and of course, for myself. We lost our mum and dad now, but that's life, so we must continue to live life. I know God will not let us down, so I'm always asking Him for guidance, strength, enlightenment and to provide for our needs. About my plans in school. I'm looking forward to the school year starting again. I promise to myself to finish my studies and be strong enough to face the challenges in life. With your support and God with me, there is no need to fear. Thank you so very much for the encouragement. Pray for me too. God bless you!
One of the program's strongest and most attractive goals is that administration costs are kept at an absolute minimum. Nothing is deducted from the $70 for costs. Therefore the project is kept as simple as possible. 2
Can we choose the country of the student?
Thanking you, Judith, aged 21
The project runs in specific countries where the St Vincent de Paul Society operates, as listed in the brochure.
Dear Sponsor,
We receive from each partner country the number of applications that they have approved. We try to distribute sponsorships as fairly as possible between the countries.
Before anything else, a nice and pleasant hello to all of you there. I hope and pray that you and your family are fine and in good health. About me and my family, we are fine and in good health also. I will study hard for you. I always pray for you, my long-distance friend.
Sponsorships are therefore allocated according to the state of the 'waiting list' to ensure fair allocation. 3. Can we have the same student each campaign?
Thank you for your continuous support and care. I hope you will not change!! God Bless!!
Students are not necessarily sponsored in consecutive years. The sponsorships are allocated according to needs.
Love, Eriel, aged 10
See Question 1 re cost-reduction and Question 2 re fairness of allocation from a waiting list.
Dear Sponsors, We are most grateful for your continued support in this program for the year 2004. The program will definitely enhance the future of the students. May the Lord, together with our Patron Saint, bestow his many blessings to Australian donors along with their families always. Peter Suraphol Senavinin National President, St Vincent de Paul Society Thailand
4. What exactly does the money go to? The money goes on enabling the student to continue their education/training for one year. 100% goes towards the student you support with school or course fees, uniforms, books and materials, etc. An education improves a young person's opportunity of gaining useful employment and providing income for their extended family. 5. What information do the sponsors receive about the student? The sponsors receive a certificate with the student's name, country and course of study. Sponsors also will receive an annual newsletter about the Assist a Student program. See Question 1 re cost-reduction. Due to privacy laws photographs and addresses of students are not provided. Such extras would add very significantly to administrative costs.
Focus on India India’s Technical Training Scholarship Scheme inspired the St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia to introduce the Assist a Student program to developing countries. Why did the Indian St Vincent de Paul Society introduce the scholarship program? The program was introduced in 1964 because the St Vincent de Paul Society in India had, and still have, a strong belief that by education the poor will be relieved from poverty, not only in this generation, but also in future generations. Their report, given to me on my visit to India in October 2005, states that, "Moreover by education the self-respect and dignity of the poor will improve a lot. So, in the human community their status also improves like others. Considering all these aspects the National Council (St Vincent de Paul) of India, gives much importance to the education of the youth, belonging to poor families. Many measures are taken to improve the quality of their education. One of the important aspects of encouraging the youth is the assistance given to the poor family for further study, through the distribution of scholarships to meet their expenses". When did the St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia become involved? Once again quoting from the Indian Report, it was in 1990-1991. (There have been other St Vincent de Paul Societies in overseas countries who have been involved in the program over the years. These countries are the Netherlands, England, Wales, Scotland and Germany). From the 1990-1991 beginning the St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia has been assisting some 1,100 students annually. The St Vincent de Paul Society in India is responding very well to the needs of the poor. They are very thorough in the way they operate and keep accountability; this attracts donors. Currently they now have the following educational schemes operating: z
Technical Training Scholarship (TTS) – Scholarships will be awarded to students to enable them to do Polytechnic, Nursing, Midwife, ITI, Diploma in Agriculture, Fisheries, Horticulture, Teacher Education etc.
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Assist Student Scholarships (AAS) – Scholarships awarded to students in the TTS Scheme. This is Australia's contribution.
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Vocational Training Scholarships (VTS) – This scholarship is meant for the poor youth belonging to the age group of 16 to 22 years, who are doing some kind of job orientated training without any prequalifications; the St Vincent de Paul Societies in Europe are supporting this program.
Vidya Jothi Scholarships (VIDYA) – Began in 2000 and it requires each and every St Vincent de Paul conference in India to adopt at least one student from a very poor family, who is not likely to opt education without proper guidance, motivation and assistance. Why Assist a Student program? The National Overseas Committee of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia introduced the Assist a Student program in 1998-1999 on a trial period to see how the Australian public would respond. An amount was set as $70 from each supporter This would allow the St Vincent de Paul Society in India to assist more poor families. In 2000-2001 the response from Australians was so encouraging that the National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia introduced the program to all its "Twinned" countries (these are developing countries that are directly linked with St Vincent de Paul in Australia). Other twinned countries quickly put into place a structure that would allow the poor families to receive the money and be monitored accordingly. The Assist a Student education program is making an immense difference to so many young students in these countries. The countries being supported can demonstrate how funds are distributed, how they are accounted for and where the students come from. Not only is India benefiting, but through the coContact Us operation of our "Twinned" Should you have any Countries, all our Twinned Countries are now able to attempt queries regarding the to eradicate poverty through Assist a Student program, Education. please contact the project officer in your state: Br Doug Walsh National Project Officer ACT St Vincent de Paul Australia Phone: 02 6122 9711 New South Wales Phone: 02 9560 8666 Northern Territory Phone: 08 8941 0502 Queensland Phone: 07 3010 1000
India at a glance... Population
1.03 billion
Poverty (% of population below national poverty line)
26
Life expectancy at birth (years)
64
Infant mortality (per 1,000 live births)
63
Access to improved water source (% of population)
86
Illiteracy (% of population age 15+)
57
Net primary enrolment/attendance (% of school-aged population)
77
*Statistics from the Unicef website
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South Australia Phone: 08 8211 6152 Tasmania Phone: 03 6333 0822 Victoria Phone: 03 9895 5800 Western Australia Phone: 08 9475 5400