1 Jul. 2004 Bangladesh
Scholarship made us study without anxiety
Ms. HIROKO Kobayashi surrounded by the scholars
Scholarship for higher education for women
In Bangladesh, the chances of studying are limited to women than men. HFW’s scholarship system started in October 2003 in order that women should be active in the society and their homes, be able to have income, and live in dignity. This system has been run by the interest from savings, which is called “Hunger Free HIRO scholarship” named after HIROKO Kobayashi who is a member of HFW and donated one million YEN as a principal of the scholarship fund. This system is intended for families in poverty, such as of single parent or orphans, particularly girls who are over five years old and wish to continue to study despite having difficulties in attending school.
As scholars receive 50 to 100 Taka (around 110 to ¥220) per month, according to their ages and conditions without any obligation to pay back, they can pay for textbooks and stationeries, entrance examination fees, lunch, and transportation fees as needed. They have been studying hard and gaining confidence. The first 41 students of the scholarship sent messages.
Ms. Kobayashi spoke at scholarship award ceremony
Message from Bangladesh
I had lost my father before my birth, and my mother passed away when I was five years old. It was difficult for me to study since I became an orphan. But now, I am assured to continue my study thanks to the scholarship. (*When a scholarship student meets conditions, she is granted the scholarship for more than one year.) I use the scholarship to go to a tutor. I will work hard to get better grade. I want to become a teacher in the future. I promise to help other children to continue to study.
Rajani, 14 years old
I have five siblings. My father could not afford to pay for our school fees. I was afraid that I could not continue to go to school. But, now I feel relieved. Thank you for giving me hope. I want to help other people in the future.
Shamsnal, 14 years old
