This post is about future decision making. Decisions that together all of us would make about whether or not- we should embark on a change how the Brotherhood Scholarship Fund is being currently utilized. In case we decide to change- what could be the possible new avenues to utilize the fund we collect to make even great impact? And at the end how should we do that?
Brotherhood scholarship has successfully completed seven years of continuous effort to help meritorious but needy students of RKM Narendrapur. We have collectively, over the period of years, have raised more than Rs 7.8 lakhs. Along the way we have gathered suggestions that may be it is the time to re-look at the strategy to leap into the next level of efficiency.
We are starting a discussion in our blog http://brotherhoodscholarship.blogspot.com/ to debate all possibilities and decide what could be the best way out? We would like to hear your comments. Once we have sufficient discussions on this aspect, we would arrange for a vote to select top 4 ideas. Subsequently- we would discuss with RKM college authorities- which of these are more workable and would implement the same for the next year.
Currently our fund is utilized in various student welfare activities such as paying of examination fees and tuition fees. Let me write down a few concepts that I have picked up from our fellow brothers to facilitate the discussion.
- Infrastructural projects- College (Computers, books, and capital intensive item/ lab equipment that college requires)
- Infrastructural projects- Hostel (Solar electricity, hot water, High speed internet connection, Gymnasium etc)
- Individual assistance (Sponsor all expenses of 3-6 students, who are highly meritorious. 2 students from each year)
- Individual assistance (Scholarship to study in premier institutes such as IITs, IISc, ISI, IIP etc)
These are only a few. I am sure all of you would have even more ideas. Please go to the blog and post you comments. Please leave your Name. (We may not consider anonymous posts).
Cheers.
7 comments:
Thanks Avijit for the start up. The objective of this scholarship initiative was to help and retain the talents who are in need as well. I guess # 3 & 4 address it to an extent.
Regarding the expense:
The tution fee at big institutions can be handled by loans. But the dearth in fund for an individual for the application process itself exists in Narendrapur. eg the cost of applying and traveling to Mumbai for the stat students for IIT Mumbai entrance, or IIT JAM/JNU/GRE/MAT/CAT or other competitive exams. May be our fund can help them from not missing out a chance just due to lack of funding. Each costs around Rs 500 - 1000 or higher. Or/And to invest the fund in coaching them for such exam.
Apart from that the regular college fees as Npur wishes to.may be such recipents are the BH scholars.
Sharing my cents of thought- Sneham
I agree with the option Sneham suggested but it will be difficult to manage the fund.
My idea would be a fixed amount of money will be given every year against the name of Brotherhood Scholarship
for poor but meritorious students. Few seats (number and departments are based on agreement) will be blocked
for the scholarship. RKM should provide information about the scholarship in the admission advertisement.
From our end the fund becomes a commitment; hence we cannot step back in any circumstance.
We have to be 100% confident before making the proposal.This option will give best recognition to our fund.
Dear friends,
So far we have done a great job in organizing, gathering people and collecting money. We know our strength now and ready to move to the next level.
Our activities currently are for the students who are "admitted" to NDP; they have done some good results, know about NDP, been able to travel to and take the exam to get admitted.
They might have received a part of the money as tuition, fees etc.
And we do not clearly know what NDP needs from us (Infrastructure, lab etc). I believe, this is the time to think beyond the box; think about the people who have the strength to be an NDPian, but just do not know about NDP or can not reach.
Media is doing at least one job responsibly here; talking about poor but meritorious students. This is the time, we can bring them to NDP. This is not an easy task, but I believe, "We can do this."
I agree with proposal (1) and (2).
As Sneham said, now a days study funds are available to those got admission to these premier institutions. We can provide them expense needed to participate in entrance exams and interviews.
I had another proposal in mind. Usually the alumni of NDP come to our colleage and departments, and give seminar on their specialized topics. This motivates the present students. Similarly, is this possible to provide mentoring to present students? Like some alumni provide coaching for WBCS or IAS. Some one may arrange a workshop on entrance exam and interviews for various premier institute. Some may provide career councelling etc. I know this is very difficult to materialize. But in case some among us may be willing to do this. This can be done while we plan for visit to NDP.
I think we should focus more on what 'we want' than what 'Ndp wants from us'. Ndp is a big organisation and they will be able to run the show even without our support. The amount we donate is not that high in terms of Ndp's size and need. Therefore we should focus on how we should make our fund more visible thereby making it popular and attract more contribution in future. Marketing is very important at this stage to grow more. I think for initial few years we should sponsor few students, award them certificate, record their voice of recognition and publish the same in website etc, which will be good advertisement of our initiative.
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