SISU DIRIYATA BODU SAWIYAK
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
සිසු දිරියට බොදු සවියක් - ශිෂ්යත්ව වැඩසටහන
The purpose of the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas:
- Financial Support: The primary aim is to provide financial assistance to deserving students who may struggle to afford their education due to economic constraints. This support enables them to continue their studies without the burden of financial stress.
- Promoting Education: The fund seeks to promote educational opportunities for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By enhancing access to education, it helps to foster a more educated youth population.
- Encouraging Academic Excellence: The program encourages academic achievement by recognizing and rewarding students who demonstrate strong academic potential. This motivation can inspire students to strive for excellence in their studies.
- Community Development: By investing in the education of youth, the fund contributes to the overall development of the community. Educated individuals are more likely to contribute positively to society, leading to economic and social improvements.
- Upholding Buddhist Values: The scholarship program aligns with the principles of Buddhism, such as compassion, generosity, and the importance of education. It promotes these values within the community, nurturing a culture of support and encouragement.
- Empowerment: By supporting students in their educational endeavors, the fund empowers them to pursue their goals, build meaningful careers, and become active contributors to society.
In summary, the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund aims not only to alleviate financial barriers for students but also to promote educational advancement, community welfare, and the values of Buddhism.
SRI DALADA MALIGAWA
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, an iconic Buddhist site in Kandy, Sri Lanka, plays a pivotal role in managing the fund and promoting its mission within the community.
PEOPLE'S BANK
This financial institution partners with Sri Dalada Maligawa to ensure proper administration of the fund, including the selection process for scholarship recipients and the disbursement of funds.
The management of the Buddhist Welfare Fund associated with Sri Dalada Maligawa is typically overseen by a committee or board that includes representatives from the temple, local community leaders, and possibly educational professionals. This committee is responsible for:
- Fund Allocation: Deciding how funds are distributed for scholarships and welfare projects.
- Program Development: Creating and implementing educational and welfare programs that align with the fund’s mission and vision.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the impact of funded programs and ensuring accountability in the use of resources.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of initiatives.
The specific individuals and their roles may vary, but the governance structure is generally designed to ensure that the fund operates transparently and effectively in serving the community’s needs.
The following groups will benefit from the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund:
- Deserving Students: Primarily, the scholarship program benefits students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial difficulties. This includes:Low-Income Students: Individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to afford tuition and related expenses.Meritorious Students: Those who excel academically and may need financial support to continue their education.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may also benefit indirectly through improved student performance and reduced dropout rates, fostering a healthier educational environment.
- Families: Families of scholarship recipients experience relief from financial burdens associated with education costs, allowing them to allocate resources to other essential needs.
- The Community: By investing in the education of youth, the program contributes to community development. Educated students are more likely to become engaged citizens, enhance local economies, and inspire future generations.
- Future Generations: The impact of educated individuals can extend to future generations, as scholarship recipients are more likely to emphasize the importance of education within their families and communities.
- Buddhist Institutions and Organizations: The program helps uphold and promote Buddhist values of compassion, generosity, and community service, reinforcing the mission of organizations like Sri Dalada Maligawa and People’s Bank.
In summary, the beneficiaries of the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund include deserving students, their families, educational institutions, the broader community, and Buddhist organizations, creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond just the individuals receiving scholarships.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship from the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund can follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Review eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Gather Documents: Prepare necessary documentation, including academic records and proof of financial need.
- Submit Application: Follow the application instructions provided by the fund, which may be available through Sri Dalada Maligawa or People’s Bank.
- Await Notification: After submission, applicants will be notified regarding the outcome of their application.
The selection criteria for the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund typically include a combination of academic, financial, and personal factors. While specific criteria may vary based on the fund’s guidelines, common elements include:
- Academic Performance: Applicants are usually required to demonstrate a certain level of academic achievement, such as good grades or test scores. This may include performance in previous schooling or standardized assessments.
- Financial Need: A key criterion is the financial situation of the applicant. Students must provide documentation to demonstrate their financial need, which could include family income statements, tax returns, or other evidence of economic hardship.
- Community Involvement: Some scholarship programs look for students who are actively involved in their communities or participate in volunteer work. This aspect reflects the values of compassion and service, aligning with Buddhist principles.
- Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders, or others who can speak to the student’s character, integrity, and potential may be required.
- Personal Statement or Essay: Applicants may need to submit a personal statement or essay outlining their educational goals, motivations for pursuing education, and how the scholarship would impact their studies and future.
- Adherence to Buddhist Values: Given the nature of the fund, applicants may be evaluated on their understanding and commitment to Buddhist values, including compassion, respect, and mindfulness.
- Educational Goals: Applicants should clearly outline their educational and career aspirations, demonstrating how the scholarship will help them achieve these goals.
- Age and Level of Education: There may be specific requirements regarding the age or current educational level of applicants (e.g., high school students, undergraduate students, etc.).
It’s essential for prospective applicants to refer to the official guidelines of the Buddhist Welfare Scholarships Fund for detailed eligibility requirements and to ensure they meet all necessary criteria for consideration.