180+ Orphans Provided With Financial Support To Pursue Higher Education
As many as 189 orphans (Vikasa Children) supported by SOPAR and Bala Vikasa’s Orphan Solidarity Club (OSC) were given financial support of over 60 lakhs to continue their education besides career counseling and personality development training between August and November.
Of this, 125 young adults received financial support worth Rs 35 Lakhs during the Annual College Orphans' Meetings held on October 9 and October 31 at the Bala Vikasa People Development Training Center, Warangal. The young adults connected virtually with the members of the Orphan Solidarity Club and shared their experiences during the COVID pandemic, their struggles and goals in life.
Speaking virtually, a donor VN Prasad Kancharla said “I was aware of Bala Vikasa’s activities earlier too but today, I witnessed their actual impact. Despite enduring various challenges, the Vikasa Children face life with such courage and confidence. It is very appreciative of Bala Vikasa to be able to instill in them that and constantly support them. I am glad to be a part of such an impactful program. I advise the students to never lose hope and continue fighting for the life they wish to live.” The stories of the orphans greatly moved the donors. They lauded the students’ efforts in upskilling themselves. They also appreciated the students' strong association with Bala Vikasa even after completing their education. They further lauded the efforts of women coordinators (Vikasa Mothers) ensuring that the Vikasa Children are provided with emotional support, love and affection. They further advised the students to continue working hard and assured their constant support financially or otherwise.
As the schools and colleges reopened in October in Telangana due to the pandemic, during the meeting on October 31, the children were guided to cope with the shift, go back to schools and colleges following COVID Appropriate Behaviours, and continue to focus on their studies and pursue their dreams.
The Vikasa children were also provided with books, bedsheets, towels and other essentials that they would require during the academic year. About 180 Vikasa children participated in the meeting and shared their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown and attending online classes.
Shoury Reddy Singareddy, Executive Director, Bala Vikasa and Latha, Program Manager, Women Empowerment and Model Communities expressed their gratitude to all the donors for their support to the Vikasa Children. Bala Vikasa founder Bala T. Singareddy Gingras, Shobha Singareddy, Director, SOPAR also participated in the meeting virtually.
