SKAL Provide Four Scholarships

(12/15/2003)

SKAL International Bali has awarded scholarships to four outstanding tourism students from Politeknik Negeri Bali. The recipients, all in their third semester of study, were selected from among the top ranking students in their respective fields of study.

A blue-ribbon panel of six selectors vetted 10 applicants, basing their decision on rank, grade point average, English language proficiency, dedication and the individual's degree of financial need.

The scholarship recipients joined local SKAL members at their year-end dinner celebration, where each were presented checks of Rp 4 million, to cover tuition, uniforms, books and living expenses for the coming two semesters. Those maintaining a high grade point grade average will be eligible to apply for scholarship renewal.

A Word About Those Who Didn't Win

Ms. Debe Campbell, a veteran local tourism professional and SKAL activist who sat on the selection committee is concerned about the remaining 6 students who did not receive scholarships. To her informed view, those who did not win also displayed outstanding academic and personal credentials and may be unable to continue their tourism educations next semester due to a lack of financial recourses. The remaining students are all from families of four or more. One's father is a farmer, one's father is deceased with his family living on a modest pension, others have parents who are teachers, another works for the government. All are top-ranking students in their tourism studies with an above average cumulative grade point (average 3.15 on a 4.0 scale).

Unprepared to sit idly by and see local tourism potentially lose 6 talented future leaders, Debe has entered onto a personal quest to gather at least enough money to cover the remaining six applicant's tuition fees for the next semester. One semester tuition fees cost Rupiah 1,050,000 each (approximately US$ 123), making the total needed for all six students some US$ 741.00. Debe has stepped to the fore and will pay one of the six tuitions and is seeking interested individuals prepared to help with the remaining fees.

Those wishing to help of seeking more information can contact Debe Campbell at the e-mail link below.

Pictured at balidiscovery.com are the four SKAL scholarship recipients, left to right, I Gusti Ngurah Arya of Buleleng, I Wayan Sudibya of Singakerta; Ni Kadek Ayu Winastri of Amlapura; and I Putu Agus Sutrarama of Beraban.