Girls continue their studies in supportive learning environment

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the funding for scholarships for 34 economically disadvantaged girls studying at Don Bosco School, located in Muniguda in the Rayagada District, Odisha, India. The scholarship funds were received from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and were used for school fees, hostel fees, and educational materials. Although the funding was initially intended for 26 girls, the project team extended the support to 34 students who were unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties.

A Salesian explained, “Through this support, the girls were able to attend school regularly, stay in a safe hostel environment and focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints. The initiative ensured that the most vulnerable girls from tribal communities received access to quality education and a supportive learning environment.”

Education for girls in this region of Odisha remains a major challenge, as many families do not consider schooling for girls a priority due to poverty and social conditions. Through this scholarship support, girls were given the opportunity to study and pursue their dreams. As a result, they showed improved school attendance, increased confidence and a greater interest in continuing their studies.

Pinki Kundika, aged 13, was one of the scholarship recipients. She is from a village where most of the families belong to tribal communities and depend on small-scale agriculture, daily wage labor or forest-based livelihoods for their income. Poverty levels are high and many parents have limited education. Because of economic hardship and social factors, education for girls is not seen as a priority, and many are at risk of dropping out of school at an early age.

Kundika’s father passed away and her mother is a housewife who struggles to support the family. Before receiving the scholarship support, Kundika studied in a village school where the quality of education was very poor. Teachers rarely attended classes and she had very limited learning opportunities. Because of the financial difficulties faced by her family, continuing her education was uncertain.

The scholarship provided through Don Bosco Muniguda enabled her to enroll in school and stay in the hostel, where she now has access to learning facilities and regular academic guidance. Kundika shared that receiving the scholarship brought great relief and happiness to her and her family. She said that without this support she would not have been able to continue her education.

Kundika said, “I was a frightened before, but today I am becoming more confident. Because of this help, I am able to study and dream about my future.” Kundika hopes to become a teacher in the future so that she can help other children from poor villages receive a good education. She is determined to study hard and make the most of the opportunity given to her.

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Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India