South Indian diocese provides school supplies for 500 Catholic students

Nearly 500 Catholic children of St Mary’s Cathedral, Mariayapuram received school supplies for the academic year 2022.

Father Birusu Raja of Diocese of Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh, South India, distributed school supplies to the Catholic children of St Mary's Cathedral, Mariayapuram on June 12. 

This year about 500 students from Grade 3 to Bachelor of Technology have benefited.

Every academic year, students from poor families in the diocese bear the burden of knowing their families cannot provide the required school supplies.

If preparation is the key to success, think of the difference it can make for these students to have the school supplies that they need. 

The support for the students comes from S Bhai, an Indian living in Quincy IL, United States, who belongs to Saint Peter's Church. He has been supporting poor students for the last 10 years. 

“I have been able to give each child their kit filled with supplies. It makes a difference in their self-esteem and transcends to taking ownership and care of other supplies in the classroom,” says Father Raju.

For nearly seven years, the Cathedral distributes school supplies, and sometimes ten percent of the school fee to the Catholic children of St. Xavier Church, Srikalahasti is also paid.

“Thanks to the donor, no matter how large or small the donation is! It means so much to have a resource that helps us to learn and grow,” said A Pinky, an intermediate second-year student.

“I am thankful to God for such generous donors who help us in our education,” says N Ratnam, a student pursuing intermediate (senior high school) first year.

So many needy families need to educate their children for a better future so that they will contribute to society and serve the country. Education is the key to building lives and overcoming economic poverty, Father Raja adds. - Pujitha Nagalli/RVA Telugu Service