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Each year, hundreds of students from our partner communities in Transylvania, Romania, and Puriang, India, are given the opportunity to continue their education thanks to the support of UUCF members. The Partner Church Circle collects funds to support high school and college students in the village of Szentgeriçe, Transylvania, Romania, and sponsor classes at the Puriang Unitarian School in Khasi Hills of India. By supporting education, we connect with and serve our partners and foster their children’s growth.
The Puriang Unitarian School in Puriang, Meghalaya, India
At the Puriang Unitarian School, UUCF sponsorship funds are pooled and allocated by the school’s management committee to supplement teacher salaries and purchase classroom materials. This year, the committee has asked us to help support an exciting new initiative to better prepare local students to earn a living – vocational education classes (e.g., weaving, tailoring, music, carpentry). The school has tested this concept by sending individual students for vocational training in the state capital. One young woman who was offered tailoring classes now has a thriving clothes-making business.
The Unitarian School charges no tuition or fees. It receives some support from the government of India and the state of Meghalaya; the money we send helps to make up the difference between what the state is willing to give and what is needed. It has been rated one of the best in the state and was the first Unitarian school to offer 11th and 12th grade classes. Headmaster Ditol Mylliemngap has received a UNESCO Global Role Model award and a state teacher award.
Unitarian students in Szentgeriçe, Transylvania, Romania
In Szentgeriçe, the UUCF scholarship funds are pooled and divided among that year’s group of high school, technical school and university students who have applied for our scholarship.
Applications are reviewed by a special committee of members of the Szentgerice Unitarian Church appointed by the minister Rev. Barna Varro. To receive a scholarship, students must meet strict grade requirements and provide service to the Szentgeriçe community. The amount of funds each student receives is based on their service, conduct and grades at the end of each semester. Students supported through the scholarships have studied to become accountants, auto mechanics, doctors, electricians, environmental conservation professionals, ministers, nurses and teachers.
Please Support the Partner Church Scholarship Program
- $300 helps support a classroom teacher at the Puriang Unitarian School, Meghalaya, India for a year.
- $300 assists a student in our partner church village of Szentgeriçe for a year.
- As the money is pooled, the Partner Church Circle will cheerfully and gratefully accept both larger and smaller amounts.
Two Ways to Donate
- Click the yellow PayPal DONATE button at the top of this page and all funds will be assigned to Partner Church Scholarships. Then make your generous donation via PayPal or Creditcard. OR
- Send donations, along with donor’s name, to UUCF: UUCF, Attn. Gayathri Tillekeratne, UUCF, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. Mark “Partner Church Scholarships” on your check.
Please make donations by Nov. 20, 2023, so wire transfers overseas can be completed before the end of the year.
Questions? Contact Partner Church Scholarships Coordinator Martha Ades.