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Kayalviliyi
The Koilpillai Parker Memorial Fund (KPMF) is pleased to announce
the selection of its first scholar, A. Kayalviliyi, whose
photograph you see here. Kayalviliyi has begun a four-year
nursing degree at the Rajaji Government Hospital in Madurai,
India. We are able to offer this scholarship so soon because
Kayalviliyi had applied to this program at her own initiative
and won a four-year government scholarship, which covers her
tuition only. Kayalviliyi started the program in February
2006, and upon completion, she will be a Registered Nurse/Registered
Midwife (RN/RM), the same qualification that Appa (K. Parker)
earned with the support of
Dr. Harriet Parker.
Kayalviliyi is one of four children. She has two brothers,
one of whom is physically disabled, and a sister. Kayalviliyi’s
father left home when she was very young and the family has
no knowledge of his whereabouts at present. Her mother supports
the family with income from her job as a cook for a family
in Madurai.
Since the government scholarship will pay for her studies,
contributions to KPMF have made it possible for us to support
her for the duration of the program in other critical ways.
For 2006, we are able to cover the cost of her books, food,
two sets of uniforms, personal supplies and bus fare. In addition,
we will guarantee these expenses to her for the remaining
three years of her program. We are told that Kayalviliyi is
a very good student and will not need additional help with
her studies. However, we will also guarantee payment for any
tutoring or other academic help she may need so she can complete
her program successfully.
We are now giving thought to steps we might take to prepare
students earlier in their schooling (10th grade on) so they
can seriously consider and prepare for university education
as a realistic option in future years. Our comprehensive approach
of supporting each individual student not just with tuition
or books, but also with additional tutoring or other support
over the entire course of study ensures that the students
we invest in are truly able to succeed. Later this year we
plan to put up a website, which will permit us to keep you
informed about Kayalviliyi’s progress as well as steps
we are taking to identify additional scholars.
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