Giving a chance to be and do more

MANILA, Philippines – Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, once said that the youth are our future. He was right. After all, children will inherit everything; they will be the foundation of tomorrow. For them to have a bright future, it is crucial to educate and inculcate in them the values that will help them lead the society for the betterment.  

Education is the stepping stone towards a better future. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to benefit from it, which is why scholarship programs provided by private schools have always been embraced with open arms by deprived parents and their gifted children. Such programs enable students the chance to study in some of the best, exclusive educational institutions in the country. But more than the opportunity to learn and live out their dreams, scholarship programs enable students to see their worth as individuals.

“Scholars are better role models than teachers,” enthuses Bora Aslan, school director of the high school division of Fountain International School (FIS), a co-educational academic institution based in San Juan. The international school started its scholarship program in 2007. This year saw its first batch graduating from high school. To date, the school has around 20 scholars taking advantage of the international curriculum of FIS.

The school’s pool of scholars boasts high academic distinction but Aslan believes that these students should not be prioritized based on their IQs but on their human competence. Students, Aslan adds, are first and foremost individuals and their individualism should be nourished and celebrated.

Dormitories for the scholars: The scholarship program of Fountain International School (FIS) provides the opportunity for bright and talented Filipinos from low income families to receive free education at both elementary and high school level.

“Students should be given the chance to show themselves, to express their thoughts and feelings,” Aslan says. FIS administration does not only depend on scholarship test and interviews but also on personal interaction. Short-listed students undergo an orientation program where they stay at the school dormitory. During the program, the school administration examines each student, observing how they behave and interact with various situations and fellow students and elders.

Upon acceptance, scholars may opt to be housed at the school dormitory. The school’s scholarship program is not only limited to secondary education. FIS also provides scholarship to college students. As an international school, FIS has affiliations with schools around the globe and this has come in handy for some of its college scholars. There are several FIS scholars studying in universities in Turkey, literally opening the doors to a global education for deserving students.

Scholars accompany younger students during educational field trips. As kuyas (elder siblings), they help look after their younger brothers and sisters. As Aslan says, “Not all students are able to express themselves to teachers but with their elder brothers and sisters, they have a tendency to be closer to them.”

For information, visit www.fis.edu.ph or www.icad.org.ph or call 723-7307 to 08 or 724-2177.