Fr Henry Siew, director of Carlo Catholic Society, awarding a bursary on Dec 19. Recipients of Carlo Catholic Society’s bursaries say the money is a big help in easing their families’ financial burdens.
They were speaking to CatholicNews after a short presentation ceremony at the society’s premises on Queen St on Dec 19.
Agabus Tan, in Primary Four, said “it is God’s blessing that helped me get this bursary”.
“I’m very happy,” he added.
He plans to use the money to buy some assessment and reference books.
His mother, Mrs Tan, added that Agabus would now be able to get the books he wants instead of having to borrow from classmates. One book costs an average of $10, she said.
Carlo Catholic Society recently launched its bursary scheme for Catholic students studying in Singapore schools, regardless of whether they are Singaporeans or foreigners. The society was established in 1995 to spread the Gospel through the media, especially to Mandarin-speaking people.
Agabus and six other primary school students received $350 each, which Agabus described as “big”.
Another parent, Madam Ong (not her real name) whose Primary Two daughter received the bursary, said she plans to use the money to either purchase books, or pay for school transportation and enrichment Chinese lessons for her daughter.
“Truly thankful for this bursary,” said Madam Ong, a widow. “Any cash coming to our family” is welcome, she added.
Concerned fellow parishioners encouraged Madam Ong to apply for the bursary.
Four secondary school students received bursaries of $500 each.
Bursary applications for Secondary One students are now open and will end on Feb 1, while bursary applications for students in polytechnics, junior colleges, centralised institutes and the Institute of Technical Education will start on March 1 and end on April 30.
Applicants must be Catholics and studying in Singapore.
For further details, email bursary@carlo.org.sg
By Darren Boon
darrenboon@catholic.org.sg
