New Scholars from Rural Communities Participate in TPEF Workshops

Twelve youths from four rural schools in Pandan, Catanduanes and Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro were awarded a college scholarship starting school year 2018.

On February 17 to 18, in Bulalacao, and March 10 to 11, in Pandan, six young women and six young men, their parents and guardians participated in the orientation on TPEF vision, mission, programs, and training workshops on preparing for college life and social responsibility.

New scholars and their parents in Self and Social Responsibility workshop, assisted by volunteer scholar.

A first in the foundation’s efforts, the Career Choices and Preparing for College Life orientation and workshop was provided to them hoping that they will be aware on their courses and career paths, and be clarified on several concerns related to college life. The volunteer educators, Ma. Joanna Añonuevo and Myreen Cleofe, also talked about different strategies and tips to succeed in college, a very important topic especially for the new scholars from remote rural schools who will study in the universities in urbanized areas.

A volunteer scholar shares various development efforts conducted by scholars since 2013.

The new scholars and their parents were very thankful to the foundation. “In high school, our nephew skips classes to work to support himself. We cannot send him to college because of our meager income. We knew that he will not go to college anymore. Now, because of TPEF, he can pursue his dream”, an emotional aunt shared during the orientation in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

All 12 scholars from the rural schools share the same plight—they will have difficulties to go to college because their family’s income cannot support a college education. Educational expenses such as board and lodging, food and transportation allowance, school uniforms, projects, school supplies, books, and school miscellaneous fees, other than tuition fee which is free in some state universities, comprise the cost in going to college. Now, as TPEF scholars, they can pursue college and become future nurse, information technology specialist, engineers, accountants, and educators.