(ANS – Muniguda, April 2026) – Salesian missionaries secured funding for scholarships for 34 economically disadvantaged girls studying at Don Bosco School, located in Muniguda in the Rayagada District of Odisha, India. The scholarship funds were provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and were used to cover school fees, hostel fees, and educational materials. Although the funding was initially intended for 26 girls, the project team expanded support to 34 students who were at risk of discontinuing their studies due to financial hardship.

A Salesian explained, “Through this support, the girls were able to attend school regularly, stay in a safe hostel environment, and focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints. The initiative ensured that the most vulnerable girls from tribal communities gained access to quality education and a supportive learning environment.”

Education for girls in this region of Odisha remains a significant challenge, as many families do not prioritize schooling for girls due to poverty and social conditions. Through this scholarship program, the girls were given the opportunity to pursue their education and work toward their dreams. As a result, they demonstrated improved attendance, increased confidence, and a stronger commitment to continuing their studies.

Pinki Kundika, age 13, was one of the scholarship recipients. She comes from a village where most families belong to tribal communities and rely on small-scale agriculture, daily wage labor, or forest-based livelihoods for income. Poverty levels are high, and many parents have limited education. Due to economic hardship and social factors, girls’ education is often not prioritized, placing many at risk of dropping out at an early age.

Kundika’s father has passed away, and her mother, a homemaker, struggles to support the family. Before receiving the scholarship, Kundika attended a village school where the quality of education was very poor. Teachers were often absent, and she had limited learning opportunities. Because of her family’s financial difficulties, continuing her education was uncertain.

The scholarship provided through Don Bosco Muniguda enabled her to enroll in school and live in the hostel, where she now has access to proper learning facilities and consistent academic support. Kundika shared that receiving the scholarship brought great relief and happiness to her and her family. She said that without this support, she would not have been able to continue her education.

Kundika said, “I was frightened before, but today I am becoming more confident. Because of this help, I am able to study and dream about my future.” She hopes to become a teacher one day so she can help other children from underserved villages receive a quality education. She is determined to study hard and make the most of this opportunity.

Source: Salesian Missions