Providing scholarships for underprivileged children is one of Thien Chi’s strongest commitments. Education is often the only way out of poverty for families in poor communities, yet school fees are difficult to afford for households that already struggle to put food on the table. The higher the grade, the higher the fees, which is why many children drop out after grade 9 to help their parents earn an income. As they grow older, they also become stronger and more capable of working, which makes continuing education even less likely.
Each year, in close collaboration with local authorities, village workers, and schools, Thien Chi provides scholarships to more than 1,500 students across 135 schools. In May, the center receives a list of around 200 students in need, compiled by the schools and the government. Over the following months, Thien Chi staff visit the families to assess their situations and decide who should benefit. If they feel another child is in greater need, they can reject the list and request changes.
Only one scholarship is granted per family, but the government may step in to support other children. Parents must commit to sending their child to school every day, and if the school reports repeated absences, Thien Chi will stop its support. To ensure the funds are used properly, the scholarship money is reimbursed after the families have already paid the fees. Schools are aware of this arrangement, so children are allowed to attend classes even before payment is completed.
The lists of poor children submitted by schools usually represent 20–30% of all students. Thien Chi then selects those in greatest need, which means a child who receives a scholarship one year is not guaranteed to receive it the next if other families require more support. Local authorities also play an active role in ensuring access to education.
Scholarships bring enormous relief to families and are key to a child’s development. Going to school every day keeps children engaged, allows them to learn new subjects, and opens up perspectives beyond daily labor. It gives them a chance to dream of a future where they can do work they enjoy and escape poverty. The social benefits are equally important: children learn discipline, respect, and kindness while building friendships. Those who cannot attend school often remain isolated at home with little social interaction. By contrast, a child who performs well in school becomes a source of pride for the entire family, shifting the household’s outlook toward a more hopeful future.
