Michaela Foundation to support students
25/01/2012
A newly established foundation set up in memory of murdered School Teacher Michaela McAreavey is to offer financial aid to students struggling with the rising cost of higher education. The Harte and McAreavey families have joined forces to launch a scheme which will make three awards of £1,000 each. Through the new scheme, awards will be made to those studying in disciplines that Michaela held dear, including the Irish Language and Religious Education. It also aims to explore how young people's self confidence can help them enjoy a full University experience in the same way she did. Along with Irish and RE, the third is open to those studying any other general discipline. The sheme is open to all first year students at every third level institution in the North and the Republic. The purpose is twofold. It will provide three students with much - needed financial support for college life, as well as providing the public with information through a monthly blog, to appear online. Each 'view from the student' will explore the practical and emotional challenges of leaving home from University, the excitement of starting a new chapter in their lives and how they balance academic work with a social life. The underlying theme will be how each student's faith and positive outlook on life affects and enriches their decisions made on a daily basis. Michaela's husband John said: "This is an initiative between myself and the Harte family, because we were inspired by the amount of people that told us how much of an impression Michaela had made." "I met Michaela in Belfast and we shared our University experience together. We believed that you could live a full University experience without taking drugs or drinking alcohol. "We hope to showcase that to young students" The foundation, he said, also plans to develop a Michaela Summer camp, featuring live modules that reflect her life - Irish, fun, fashion, faith, confidence, health and wellbeing. Michaela Harte, Michaela's father, said: Being confident enough to enjoy oneself without the help of "additives" was liberating and something more young people were capable of than they believed. Application forms can be found online at www.themichaelafoundation.com closing date for entries is Wednesday 29 February. Source: Tyrone Courier |