DE MAZENOD SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
The De Mazenod Scholarship Foundation is an Oblate endeavor dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through university education. The initiative was inaugurated on May 21, 2016, as a tribute of appreciation to our Blessed Founder, marking the 200th anniversary of the foundation of our Congregation.
We are proud to share that we have successfully supported multiple cohorts of students by granting them partial scholarships. At present, the foundation proudly sponsors 55 deserving recipients.
Eligibility & Qualifications
To ensure this assistance reaches those who need it most, the foundation follows specific selection criteria. Each year, approximately 15 worthy candidates are chosen after a careful and thorough review process.
- Financial Need: Applicants must come from low-income households (e.g., families earning less than Rs. 20,000 per month, lacking adequate housing, or facing severe financial hardship).
- Educational Background: Preference is given to students who attended ordinary, local, or rural schools. Those who completed their O/L and A/L studies at highly prestigious or elite national colleges and convents may not be considered priority candidates.
- Academic Enrollment: Applicants must be preparing to begin their first year of university studies based on their most recent Advanced Level (A/L) examination results.
- Oblate Connection: Active connection or involvement with Oblate parishes and ministries will be given special consideration.
- Inclusivity: While the scholarship is open to students of all religions and ethnicities, preference is generally given to Catholic applicants.
- Restrictions: Direct involvement in active politics is considered a disqualification for this scholarship.
Foundation and Vision
The vision to create a new college for the poor—and to foster a "dialogue of life" within a predominantly Buddhist environment—was realized through the leadership of the Provincial Leader, Very Rev. Fr. Irwin Morais, OMI, and the Bishop of Anuradhapura, Rt. Rev. Dr. Norbert Andradi, OMI.
Under the guidance of its first Principal, Fr. Dileepa Jayamaha, OMI, the college began classes on January 3, 2019, at the Rajabima Oblate Centre. The official inauguration on January 7, 2019, beautifully reflected the school's inclusive mission. It was attended not only by Catholic leadership but also by Venerable Nugethane Pagnananda Thero and Hindu Kurukkal Sivashri Balachandran, symbolizing the college's dedication to serving students of all major faiths.
The members of the De Mazenod Scholarship Foundation deeply appreciate the ongoing cooperation and support of our benefactors and community in making this life-changing project a success.