‘Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.’ Thus goes the quote and at a time like this when the people around the world are losing their near and dear ones to Covid, showing kindness and helping the ones in need is important.
Throughout the pandemic period, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Bengaluru has reached out to the people in need and have provided support in whichever way possible. From providing food kits to setting up Covid care centres, the management, staff and volunteers from the institution have always stood in the forefront while providing care. During the second wave of the pandemic, 20 students from the college were left orphaned after losing one or both of their parents. In such a situation the college started the initiative ‘Covid Relief Service – SJC’ for the college students and their families. Through this service, they provide financial support, ration kits, medical treatment and counselling services for them. This help is also extended towards the vulnerable communities of the society.
Dean, School of Social Work, SJC Fr Augustine said, “we have a responsibility to our students and they are our first priority.” He said that since last year, the college has reached out to more than 1 lakh people and provided help in many ways. “Volunteers, doctors, nurses and alumni have come together for this cause to support us in every way possible for this initiative,” he added.
“The students in need of financial support would call their mentors or speak to us and we refer to the management and provide support based on their need,” said Fr. Francis Pinto SJ, Coordinator, CRS, SJC. He explained that in a systematic way, help is extended towards the students. “Last year we had given scholarship of Rs 1, 75,000,00 and this year too we are trying to raise a similar amount as students are finding it difficult to pay their fees,” he added.
Through this relief service, the college has also helped 80 HIV infected families and 130 fortune tellers and Nomad families, as per the data collected till May 24. The college and the management continues to provide rations kits, monetary support and other means of support to its community and students.
