Twentythree visually impaired girls studying in Coimbatore and Maduraireceived scholarships to continue their studies at a function organisedby UDIS Forum, a network that assists people with disabilities, at theBishop Appasamy College of Education.

During the academic year 2007-2008, the Forum had provided scholarshipsto 54 visually impaired girls from Tamil Nadu, five from Karnataka andone from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The total amount given asscholarship was Rs.8.51 lakh. "The Marga-Schulze Scholarship scheme helpsvisually impaired girls to pursue higher education," said M.N.G.Mani,President of UDIS Forum.Most girls with visual impairment and theirfamilies hesitated to continue their education owing to their disabilityand lack of funds. The aim of the scholarship was to encourage moregirls to pursue higher education, he added.

A special drive would be launched in other Southern States to make morepeople aware of the scholarship. At least 75 girls were expected toreceive the scholarship in 2008-2009, Mr.Mani said.The scholarship isoffered by Marga-Schulze Foundation, which assisted visually impairedgirls from Asia and Africa to pursue higher education. It was giventhrough CBM, another organisation working for the disabled.Graduatestudents were offered Rs.12,000 a year. B.Ed and Post Graduationstudents would receive Rs.15,000 and Rs.18,000 respectively. SushilaWilliams, Secretary, Bishop Appasamy College of Education, distributedthe scholarships to the students. Beula Jayaseeli, Principal of theCollege, was present.