Scholarship for visually impaired girls
Joyce Isabella (right), a student with visual impairment, receiving scholarship from Sushila Williams (second from right), Secretary, Bishop Appasamy College of Education, at a function held in the city. M.N.G.Mani, President of UDIS Forum (left) is in the picture.Twenty three visually impaired girls studying in Coimbatore and Madurai received scholarships to continue their studies at a function organised by UDIS Forum, a network that assists people with disabilities, at the Bishop Appasamy College of Education here on Friday.During the academic year 2007-2008, the Forum had provided scholarships to 54 visually impaired girls from Tamil Nadu, five from Karnataka and one from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The total amount given as scholarship was Rs.8.51 lakh.“The Marga-Schulze Scholarship scheme helps visually impaired girls to pursue higher education,” said M.N.G.Mani, President of UDIS Forum.Most girls with visual impairment and their families hesitated to continue their education owing to their disability and lack of funds. The aim of the scholarship was to encourage more girls to pursue higher education, he added.
A special drive would be launched in other Southern States to make more people aware of the scholarship. At least 75 girls were expected to receive the scholarship in 2008-2009, Mr.Mani said.The scholarship is offered by Marga-Schulze Foundation, which assisted visually impaired girls from Asia and Africa to pursue higher education. It was given through CBM, another organisation working for the disabled.Graduate students were offered Rs.12,000 a year. B.Ed and Post Graduation students would receive Rs.15,000 and Rs.18,000 respectively. Sushila Williams, Secretary, Bishop Appasamy College of Education, distributed the scholarships to the students. Beula Jayaseeli, Principal of the College, was present.
