KCWA, true to its mission ‘In Pursuit of ensuring Education to the poor Children’ disbursed education aid for the year 2026 through ‘Sampada’ and ‘Suvidya’ during the programs held on 18 July in Udupi and 9 August in Belthangady respectively.
KCWA Education Fund Distributed at SAMPADA, UDUPI
The Annual Kuwait Cultural Welfare Associations (KCWA) Education Fund Loan Distribution programme was held on Saturday, 18th July 2026 at Alok Hall, Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, Udupi.
Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) Office Bearers, Ms. Vinitha Margaret Pinto – Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Johnson Ronald D’Almeida – Nominated Member, Mr. Prashanth Vinod Ferrao – Nominated Member were present with Mr. Manoj Rego – Sampada Udupi Board Member and In-charge of the KCWA Education Fund Beneficiaries Committee, Ms. Jovita Fernandes, Selection Committee Member, and Fr. Reginald Pinto, Executive Director of Sampada Udupi.
The program began with a Bible reading and prayer led by the beneficiaries. Fr. Reginald Pinto welcomed the guests and all the members present. During the sharing session, Mr. John Paul Menezes, parent of a beneficiary, and Ms. Ashtral Saldanha, a beneficiary, shared how the Education Fund has helped them in their studies.
The beneficiaries were symbolically presented with cheques during the programme. A total of Rs. 7,20,000/- was disbursed among 7 students under the Sampada 2026 scheme. The guests were honoured by Fr. Reginald Pinto along with parent and beneficiary.
In his message, Mr. Prashanth Vinod Ferrao spoke about KCWA and its 40-year journey of serving society, especially by helping the needy during difficult times and supporting students to pursue their careers. He explained to the beneficiaries and their parents about the challenges faced by KCWA members in collecting funds amidst their daily struggles in Kuwait. He also presented the future plans of KCWA and thanked Sampada for partnering with them for the past 10 years.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Manoj Rego.
KCWA Education Fund Distributed at SUVIDYA, Mangalore
The Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra (CKSK), supported by the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), organized the ninth-year Suvidya interest-free educational loan disbursement programme on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Vimukti, Beltangady. The Suvidya scheme aims to support economically disadvantaged youth in the Diocese of Mangaluru in pursuing higher education by providing interest-free educational loans.
The programme commenced with a prayer. The dignitaries present on the dais included KCWA Auditor – Kevin D’Souza, KCWA Nominated member – Johnson Almeida, ICYM diocese of Mangaluru director – Fr. Praveen D’Souza, CKSK-Vimukti director – Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, and CKSK-Vimukti assistant director – Fr. Rohan Lobo.
Fr. Rohan Lobo presented an overview of the Suvidya initiative from 2018 to 2026, highlighting its journey and contribution towards helping deserving students pursue higher education. The programme was symbolically inaugurated by placing flowers on the book of the Constitution of India.
KCWA auditor Kevin D’Souza appreciated the meticulous efforts of the Capuchins in monitoring and managing the funds. He highlighted the aims and objectives of KCWA and spoke about its significant contribution to humanitarian activities. He also recalled the various initiatives undertaken by KCWA for the welfare and development of society.
Addressing the gathering, Johnson Almeida explained the remarkable journey of KCWA and gratefully remembered all those who have contributed to its growth and success over the years. He encouraged the students to pursue their education with dedication and determination, work hard to achieve their goals, and use their knowledge and talents for the betterment of society.
Fr. Praveen D’Souza, director of ICYM, diocese of Mangaluru, addressed the youth and stressed the importance of education in shaping their future. He encouraged the students to actively participate in the mission of the Church and society and to dedicate themselves to humanitarian service with compassion, commitment and a spirit of selflessness.
The beneficiaries were symbolically presented with cheques during the programme. A total of Rs. 13,14,000/- was disbursed among 27 students under the Suvidya 2026 scheme.
Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, director of CKSK, expressed his gratitude to KCWA for its continued support and dedicated service in helping youth pursue higher education in the diocese of Mangaluru. He appreciated the previous beneficiaries for repaying their loans on time, thereby enabling new students to benefit from the Suvidya interest-free loan facility.
He urged the new beneficiaries to maintain the same spirit of responsibility and ensure that the scheme continues to benefit deserving students in the years to come. He also cautioned the youth against social evils, particularly substance abuse and bad company.
As part of the programme, Fr. Vinod also delivered an informative session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He sensitized the students on the importance of awareness, personal safety, responsible behaviour and protecting children and young people from abuse and exploitation.
To mark the occasion, a memento was presented to the KCWA members by Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas in appreciation of their continued support and collaboration.
Cynthia compered the programme, while Jenvira proposed the vote of thanks.
We at KCWA take pride in our achievements over the years and thank all our members, sponsors and well-wishers for their generous contribution and continued support. KCWA hopes to strive and work harder towards its mission statement.
