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An
appeal from the Students’ Education Trust
A
small fund was established in 1994 by friends of Phra Peter Pannapadipo*
to help a particularly poor Thai student who had gained a university
place but could not afford the fees.
More than enough was donated, so the balance became the
foundation of a non-profit trust fund—the Students’ Education
Trust—dedicated to helping other disadvantages Thai students in
similar difficulties.
The trust fund (SET) now receives support from concerned people
all around the world. By
the beginning of 2001, SET was giving scholarships to more than
300 students (boys and girls), most of them studying at universities
or a t vocational, technical and agricultural colleges.
A few younger students at primary or high schools are also
supported.
Most SET-supported students are from impoverished rice farming
families. Without the trust
fund’s help, most would have been unable to take up their deserved
university or college places.
Some of those already in higher education would have been
forced to drop out and return to work in the family rice paddies,
or find some other mundane, dead-end job. With SET’s support, the students are achieving;
achieving something for themselves, their families and for the
future of their country.
SET helps students in different ways, depending on individual proven
need. For example:
- New
students who have passed entrance examinations for universities
or colleges, but who cannot take up their places because of
family poverty.
- Students
already in high education who may be forced to drop out, unable
to find further fees.
- Students
who face some temporary difficulty or unexpected expense and
who need support only for a term or two.
- Students
who need support grants of other kinds—for books, uniform,
tools, travel costs, or to cover other educational expenses.
- Students
whose village is a long distance from their place of study
and who need somewhere closer to live.
SET can locate free accommodation in monasteries, where
students also receive free food.
- Some
particularly disadvantaged students may need total support,
including tuition fees, accommodation, grants for books, uniform,
and bus fares—even the occasional haircut.
Whatever genuine support the student needs, SET tried to provide
it. University students
currently receive scholarships of 10,000-20,000 Baht per annum,
depending on their degree, while those at skills colleges receive
at least 6,000 Baht per annum (Note: In July 2002 the US Dollar
was worth 41 Baht. University scholarships range from $243 to $487
per year and students at skills colleges receive at least $146
per year.) Additional support
grants may also be made, after recommendation to Phra Peter by
university or college Welfare Departments.
SET works closely with welfare officers and teachers to
ensure that all supported students meet SET’s dual criteria of
proven need plus proven diligence.
Higher or vocational education in Thailand is relatively inexpensive, but there are
hundreds of thousands of bright, diligent and deserving students
who cannot afford even the modest fees.
The Students’ Education Trust can help only a few of these
disadvantaged students, but tries to do all it can for as many
as possible. Even a small donation goes a long way in education
in Thailand and can make a big difference to the future
of a bright boy or girl.
If you are interested in knowing more about
the Students’ Education Trust, and how you can help, please write
to:
Phra Peter Pannapadipo,
Wat Worranatbanpot, Thammavitee Road, Amphur Muang, Nakhon Sawan
6000 Thailand
For information on SET only, email: phrapeter@hotmail.com
* Phra Peter Pannapadipo is the author of four books published
by PostBooks of Bangkok: “Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand;” “One Step at a Time: Buddhist Meditation
for Absolute Beginners;” “Good morning, Buddha;” and “Little Angels:
The real-life stories of twelve Thai novice monks.” Further information or order online at
A Note from the www.ProBuddhism.com webmaster: The email address for Phra Peter is listed only
for SET inquiries due to his limited schedule. Please see the sites elsewhere in these pages
for general information and answers to questions on Buddhism.
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