TELS Will Help Grateful Student Bring ‘Family Out Of Poverty’
“My parents had decided to support my education through their FNPF savings because it was their only option left. That disappointed me since it was their hard-earned savings,” he said.
Monday 28 March 2022 | 16:50
Batinikama College Year 13 student, Shahil Savinesh Chand, with his Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination marks on March 26, 2022. Photo: Sampras Anand
Stressful days have finally ended for Batinikama College Year 13 student, Shahil Savinesh Chand, who has secured a government scholarship.
“I thank the Government from the bottom of my heart. This scholarship will help me to bring my family out of poverty,” Mr Chand said.
The 19-year-old can now pursue a Bachelor of Education in Maths and Computer Studies.
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Mr Chand’s Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination marks (263 out of 400) saw him qualify for the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS) under the new revised cut-off mark of 250 announced during the Revised 2021/2022 National Budget by the and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
The previous cut-off mark of 280 was lowered to 250 to give way to other underprivileged students facing financial difficulties.
It was a sigh of relief for Mr Chand.
“My parents were overjoyed, and the Government should take credit for this,” he said.
He said the expenses of tuition fees would have been a huge burden for his financially struggling mother, a garment factory worker and father, a timber yard worker.
“My parents had decided to support my education through their FNPF savings because it was their only option left. That disappointed me since it was their hard-earned savings,” he said.
He said if their FNPF savings had been used it would have deprived his younger brother in Year 12 from pursuing his tertiary education.
“My mental stress has gone and the disappointment of scoring an underachieved target of 310+ marks has been forgotten,” he said.
He scored 304/400 during his Year 12 External Exam.
He said that inconsistent internet connectivity was a major challenge for him during his revision and online learning during the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, on the night of the 2021-2022 Revised Budget announcement, He watched the live stream on his phone.
“Before the budget was even announced, I was confident that our government would provide equal opportunities to all students,” he said.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
