The Scholarship Project
The Project started
This project started in 2001 when I learned from one of the teachers in the local elementary school and who happened also to be the wife of one my staff, that several children did not finish their elementary education, due to the fact that their parents could not afford the school fee. Although this was a relatively small amount, it showed to be a big obstacle for one-parent families and families, where none of the family members had a proper income. I started to fund the school fee from my own pocket.
Limited to properly help
Quite soon, it became obvious, that if I was to do this by myself, my funds would be too limited to help properly. It also showed, that not only children from the elementary school needed help, but more seriously help was needed for the children from the Junior High School and Senior High School. I started to ask friends, family and guests of Thalassa Dive Center to help out and soon about 21 children were “adopted” financially and helped to go to school.
Sponsor "Parents"
At some point, over the years, communication with the “sponsor parents” faded, due to the fact that I did not have the time to properly follow up; thus again all payments were coming from me personally. Fortunately in 2005 I got help with the project and Michelle took over. Soon there was “new money” coming in, and more people were ready to help one or more children. Michelle left mid 2007 and the project has been take over by Ineke. The situation right now is that we have 41 children in the project and 30 waiting for sponsor parents.
The amount we ask to help with the education for one child is 20 US$ (or Euro) per month to pay the school fee. The “left over” money is being used to buy shoes, school bags and transportation fee if necessary.
