Twenty-four new HSC laureates: Social Scholarship changes their fate

The twenty-four additional laureates selected on Merit and Social Criteria was announced on Tuesday by Minister of Education Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun. News on Sunday gauged the feelings of six of those youths who come from very low income families. They share with us their touching and inspiring stories.  

Many of us may tend to believe that a child cannot achieve much academically if he/she comes from a poor family. However the additional laureates, who obtained the national scholarship based on Merit and Social Criteria, prove to us that education is achieved mainly through hard work and sacrifice. 

On Tuesday, the Minister of Education Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun disclosed the names of the twenty-four laureates. These students, who were ranked among the first 500 at the Cambridge International Examination Scholarship Rank Orders, come from families whose income does not exceed Rs 12,000 per month. Among them, eight students, selected as per the results of the Cambridge Higher School Certificate Examinations 2016, come from families whose income does not exceed Rs 6,200 per month.

Six of the eight students share their admiring stories of perseverance and will power. Meghna Jhupsee, Rajoo Moorli, Farhana Ramjan, Akhilananda Kappala Ramsamy, Asvinsing Dahoo and Manisha Chuttoor confide about the sacrifice their parents made, their plans for their tertiary education, their career and dreams.

Who are they?

Former student of the Royal College Curepipe, Akhilananda Kappala Ramsamy is the unique child of his family. His mother Ameela is a housewife and his dad Kristnah works part-time in his brother's convenience store. A resident of Rivière-des-Anguilles, the youth tells that he was going home after a day spent at the beach when he heard the good news. “Receiving this scholarship shows that I'm seen as having potential for the future of our society,” he says.

Residing at Chemin-Grenier, Meghna Jhupsee comes from a family of two. Her father is the only bread-winner and is a labourer. Her mother is a housewife and her elder sister is currently pursuing her tertiary education at the University of Mauritius. The former student of Hindu Girls College states that she was pleasantly surprised upon obtaining the scholarship and says that this achievement is “truly a morale booster to continue working hard.”

Asvinsing Dahoo comes from a single parent family. It is his mother Uma Devi who took care of his brother and him, following their father’s demise. Uma Devi works as cleaner in a snack in order to financially support her sons. Residing at Quartier-Militaire, Asvinsing reveals that his brother has recently joined the police force and is now helping the family. Asvinsing had his secondary education at Royal Holloway College of Montagne-Blanche and sat for his HSC at Modern College, Flacq. “I was very happy upon hearing this, as it was a life changing news. It was one of my goals as a student,” says Asvinsing for obtaining the scholarship.

Former student of Dr Maurice Cure State College, Manisha Chuttoor says that hearing the good news was a moment of pure bliss. “It was as if I was dreaming. This is how it feels when, after a difficult phase of hardship, breakdowns and perseverance that you are actually rewarded. It was as if my life suddenly became meaningful, that I had finally found a way to fulfil my dream, a hope for the future,” she explains. Manisha has two brothers and a sister. Her father is a panel beater cum mechanic by profession and her mum is a housewife.

Rajoo Moorli lives with his mother. After his father’s demise, their lives changed drastically, he confides. “She had to work very hard to make both ends meet. For her, the only thing that matters is me. She incarnates the roles of a mother and a father,” he shares. The former student of Saint Esprit College says that obtaining the scholarship was a dream come true for him. “It was an amazing moment of joy and happiness. That day marked exactly 14 years since my father passed away and for a man who had always cared for education, he would have been very proud.”

Farhana Ramjan also comes from a single parent family. Living in Port Louis, the former student of GMD Atchia State College states that she could not believe her ears upon hearing the news. “I am so happy and still can’t believe it. I have worked so hard for this,” she says. Her mother is the one who financially supports her. “My mum works at home and takes orders for food catering. Thanks to her, I never lacked anything,” she says. 

Bank loan or part-time job 

What were their plans if they hadn’t obtained the scholarship? Akhilananda Kappala Ramsamy confides that his parents would have taken a loan. “They would have done so in order to send me to university. However, I would have enrolled next year,” he confides. On her side, Meghna says that she would have studied in Mauritius itself. “Even now, I still prefer studying here.”

Asvinsing Dahoo has just joined the University of Technology this year but confides that it was financially difficult for him and his family. “My brother had to spend most of his salary to pay my university fees. These last few months were very stressful and I was thinking of working during my holidays (as a waiter) so as to save some money for my university fees.” Asvinsing says that his family and himself are now relieved. 

On her side, Manisha says that she had many options. “I could have applied for a job in a company with my HSC results and studied on a part-time basis. I could also have applied for a scholarship to other companies which have this scheme under their CSR programme.” Her last option was for her parents to apply for a bank loan, which, she confides, would have further added to her family’s financial burden. But don’t we need at least a degree to get a good paying job? “Yes, a bachelor’s is needed to get a good job but as I said, I could have probably worked full-time and studied on a part-time basis though this would have been very demanding and hectic. But this scholarship is a boon in disguise and I would wholeheartedly like to thank the government for coming up with this scheme which helps hardworking students from low income families to accomplish their goals without stressing on the funding of their studies,” exclaims Manisha. 

Rajoo explains that his plans was to do a BSc Economics and Finance at University of Mauritius. “It would have been very difficult to complete the course without a scholarship, given my financial situation. I had some family members who were ready to help me with the financing. Another option would have been to work during my holidays as a salesman, as I did during school vacations in the previous years. It would have been difficult, however, to cope with work and revision during vacations. Ultimately, I would have to do it to finance my degree or other related expenses because a degree is a passport to the labour market,” he says. Farhana also says that she would have taken a part-time job in order to pay for her courses. “If I had not obtained the scholarship, I would have perhaps gone for the ACCA diploma. But I would have had to work at the same time to pay for the fees. This scholarship is a real relief.”

The sacrifice behind the achievement

All six youth did not hide how much sacrifice their parents and they themselves had to make in order to succeed academically. Akhilananda says that all credits for his success go to his parents.

“They are the reason I’m alive. My mom dedicates herself totally to me, not caring about her own health. My dad, a diabetic, once worked two jobs to pay my tuition fees. He had to stop as he fell ill and had a heart surgery. He still has complications till now,” he confides. Akhilananda, who sat for the second time for the HSC exams confides that he also had to work quite hard to succeed. “I did not go out the last two years. I had to do a lot of personal work. I was also ill, which hindered my performance.”

Megha shares that her father worked really hard in order to support her in her studies. “Sometimes he had to work seven days a week. My mother always made sure that we had each and everything we needed.” She also spent sleepless nights studying. “Hard work leads to success. I practiced lots of past papers and I sacrificed many of my outings and family functions but not my hobbies.”

Asvinsing Dahoo says that the sacrifice his mother made is something that he truly respects and admires as a son. “She is the one who encourages me in every step I take. She had to work very hard to cater for our needs and wants, and today she is proud of her sons.” The youth also made a lot of sacrifices not only to succeed academically but also to prove to others that he was capable of achieving high. “I have burned nights to see this day bright. I had to sacrifice lots of my pleasure time to reach where I wanted. My goal was to be someone they thought I could never be. Without the help of my friends and teacher, perhaps I would not have achieved the success. And especial thanks to Mr Mootooree, Mr Aslam and all others teachers.”

Manisha confides that the financial burden was weighing on her parents and it was so palpable to them. However she underlines that her parents always tried to keep her and her siblings at bay from this issue. “As my father was the main breadwinner, he had the responsibility of not only sustaining a family of six but also funding school and tuition. As a result, he started working additional hours but unfortunately developed certain health complications. So close relatives gave us a helping hand financially. My mum did not work but she was there as a strong support for all of us and am actually grateful for the moral support she provided us with. My maternal grandparents were also very supportive,” she shares. 

Loving to go to school and learning new stuff, Manisha was dedicated and committed in her studies no matter what. “As I was not that fortunate to take tuitions for all subjects, I had to put in additional efforts to compensate for the part of work my friends did in tuition to be, let’s put it, up to the level. Here, my friends were of great help. They often provided me with notes from their tuition and we always believed in team work. And I cannot be more grateful for the presence of friends in my life. My teachers were also very helpful.  But being the eldest at home, I had the moral duty of helping my siblings with their work. And yes, there were many a time when I underwent emotional breakdowns because it certainly was not a piece of cake for me to deal with everything. But I had the unflinching support and motivation of my teachers and friends. School felt like a haven to me. Long live DMC.”

Rajoo tells that his mother would stand ready to sacrifice any of her dreams or wishes for his study. “That is what she exactly did. It was difficult for us to reach to the end of my secondary education cycle but we managed. When I was in Form 5, we could only afford an internet package that was strictly limited to an equivalent 15 hours of browsing. I had to use it wisely for school purposes as well as for extra-curricular activities and note down exactly how much of internet time I used as reference to know how much was left.” 

Regarding his studies, Rajoo says that he started the work hard in Lower Six. “I had the support of my teachers who guided and helped me when I had difficulties with past papers. Extra-classes were available. Teacher provided us with their phone numbers. Friends were very supportive and I was very lucky to have been with the right people and as we did group works occasionally, we could help each other. Revisions were completed early so there was no need to stay awake late at night and I could, thus have a good sleep on the eve of exams.”

Farhana also says that she admires her mother’s struggle in order to keep her happy but most importantly to have supported her all the way through her studies. “My mother would work till very late. She gave me everything I needed and I never felt that I was lacking in things. She worked hard to pay for all my tuition fees and I am very grateful to her. I also do not forget the teachers who also supported me. Many understood my situation and would not make me pay for the tuitions. I am forever grateful to them,” she tells us. The young lady says that she loves to study. “It was innate in me. After school, no one had to tell me what to do. I would take a shower and eat and immediately after start studying again. During weekends, I would take advantage of my free time to practice over four test papers. During the last two years, I also cut off on outings. I would rather stay at home and study. I also made lots of prayers and God helped me.”

Their current tertiary studies plan

Akhilananda says that he is planning on doing a psychology course at the University of Mauritius. Meghna is also planning to pursue her tertiary education at University of Mauritius. “I have already been offered a seat for the course accounting minor finance at the institution. A career in Accounting can be incredibly rewarding and I have always been interested in this field.”

Asvinsing Dahoo was thinking of going abroad to study but he is still giving it a thought. “The amount for studying abroad is perhaps too high. Now, I think I might continue my course in graphic design at the University of Technology. Choosing graphic design was a dream subject, as it allows you to explore your creativity and also to express your imagination,” he explains. 

Manisha Chuttoor is also planning to stay in the island for her first degree. “I am enrolled on a finance and law course at the University of Mauritius. A major in finance and minor in law sounds tempting as it is broad and enlightening. I have been interning at the Supreme Court for the past month and given this I want to do something in connection to law if not LLB.  And then, I will most probably go abroad for my masters.” 

Rajoo Moorli on his side plans to move forward with his course in Economics and Finance at University of Mauritius. “I am interested in Economics. It is a field that does not cease to passionate me. Every time, I turn on the television, listen to radio or read newspaper, there is always something about finance. Economics is a social science, all about making a better use of what we have to create a better world for all of us. It is all about helping people improving their lives by making better decisions and understanding how these decisions impact other parties of the society.”

Farhana Ramjan dreams of going abroad for her tertiary studies. “Now with the scholarship, I am looking into other options than doing my studies in Mauritius. I wish to pursue Actuarial studies in Malaysia. I am choosing this field as I love doing Mathematics and actuarial is very demanding as subject and I love challenges. I do not like doing common things and there are many saturated fields in Mauritius.”