Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP)

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Introduction

The Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) is a cornerstone initiative of the Restored Gospel Believers Network, dedicated to providing financial aid to deserving but economically disadvantaged students. The Kharis Scholarship Secretariat (KSS) manages the selection and disbursement of scholarships to support students across various educational levels, including junior, secondary, tertiary, vocational, and technical. With the escalating costs of education, the need for a robust and institutionalized financial support system has become increasingly critical. KSP aims to alleviate the financial burdens of Academic Facility User fees (AFUF), feeding, allowances, accommodation, and essential study materials, ensuring that students can focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.

As student populations grow and educational costs rise, it is our collective responsibility to support underprivileged students, sustaining their interest and engagement in their chosen fields of study. KSP provides up to one year of renewable funding packages, focusing on the academic and professional development of individuals.

Mission and Vision

Vision

To create a transformative and equitable educational environment where financial barriers are eliminated, enabling every deserving student to achieve their highest potential, contribute to their communities, and excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Mission

The mission of the Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) is to provide comprehensive financial support and resources to underprivileged students. We aim to:

  1. Promote Access to Education: Ensure that all deserving students, regardless of their financial background, have access to quality education at all levels, including junior, secondary, tertiary, vocational, and technical education.

  2. Foster Academic Excellence: Encourage and support students to achieve academic excellence by alleviating financial burdens, thereby enabling them to focus on their studies and perform to the best of their abilities.

  3. Support Professional Development: Aid students in their professional growth by providing financial assistance for vocational and technical training, fostering skills development, and preparing them for successful careers.

  4. Empower Future Leaders: Identify and nurture leadership qualities in students, empowering them to become community leaders who contribute positively to society.

  5. Promote Gender Equity in Education: Increase the participation of women in science and technical fields through targeted scholarship programs, thereby promoting gender equity in education and professional sectors.

  6. Provide Holistic Support: Offer not only financial assistance but also guidance, mentorship, and resources to ensure the overall development and well-being of students.

  7. Build a Supportive Community: Foster a sense of community among scholarship recipients, encouraging them to support each other, share experiences, and give back to their communities.

By staying true to these mission objectives, the Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) aims to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged students, helping them to overcome financial obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Core Objectives

  • Increase Access to Education

    • Provide scholarships to financially underprivileged students to ensure they have access to education at all levels, from junior to tertiary, vocational, and technical institutions.

  • Alleviate Financial Burdens

    • Offer financial support to cover tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, study materials, and other educational expenses, thereby reducing the financial strain on students and their families.

  • Promote Academic Excellence

    • Encourage academic achievement by supporting students who demonstrate high motivation and commitment to their studies, helping them to excel and achieve their full potential.

  • Support Vocational and Technical Training

    • Facilitate access to vocational and technical education through targeted scholarships, enhancing the skills and employability of students pursuing these fields.

  • Empower Women in Science

    • Increase the participation of women in science-based programs by offering specific scholarships, thereby promoting gender equity and encouraging more women to pursue careers in science and technology.

  • Provide Comprehensive Support

    • Offer holistic support that includes financial assistance, mentorship, and guidance to ensure the overall development and well-being of scholarship recipients.

Core Mandate

  1. Foster Leadership and Community Engagement

    • Identify and nurture leadership qualities in students, encouraging them to become active, engaged leaders in their communities and to use their education to make a positive impact.

  2. Enhance Professional Development

    • Support the professional growth of students by providing financial assistance for training and development opportunities, preparing them for successful careers.

  3. Address Educational Inequities

    • Work towards eliminating educational disparities by ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same opportunities for academic and professional success as their peers.

  4. Build a Supportive Network

    • Create a network of scholarship recipients who can support each other, share experiences, and contribute to the success of future students through mentorship and community involvement.

  5. Facilitate Sustainable Funding

    • Establish and maintain a sustainable financial base system to ensure the continuous support and expansion of scholarship programs, addressing the growing needs of underprivileged students.

  6. Monitor and Evaluate Impact

    • Continuously assess the effectiveness of scholarship programs, using data and feedback to improve and adapt strategies to better serve the needs of students.

By achieving these core objectives, the Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) aims to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of underprivileged students, empowering them to overcome financial obstacles and achieve their educational and professional goals.

Key Activities

  • Scholarship Application and Selection Process

    • Develop and manage a comprehensive application process for potential scholarship recipients, including the creation of application forms, guidelines, and criteria for selection.
    • Conduct thorough reviews of applications to select deserving candidates based on financial need, academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

  • Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

    • Organize fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives to secure financial resources for the scholarship fund.
    • Partner with individuals, organizations, and businesses to obtain donations, grants, and sponsorships to sustain and expand the scholarship program.

  • Financial Assistance Distribution

    • Disburse scholarship funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, study materials, and other educational expenses for selected students.
    • Ensure timely and accurate distribution of funds to meet the financial needs of recipients.

  • Mentorship and Guidance Programs

    • Provide mentorship opportunities by connecting scholarship recipients with mentors who can offer academic, professional, and personal guidance.
    • Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to support the holistic development of students.

  • Academic Monitoring and Support

    • Track the academic progress of scholarship recipients to ensure they are meeting their educational goals and maintaining the required academic standards.
    • Offer additional support services, such as tutoring and counseling, to help students overcome academic challenges.

  • Vocational and Technical Training Support

    • Provide specialized scholarships for students pursuing vocational and technical education, promoting skill development and employability.
    • Partner with vocational and technical institutions to offer practical training and internship opportunities.

Key Activities

  1. Women in Science Initiative

    • Promote and support women pursuing science-based programs through targeted scholarships and incentives.
    • Organize events and programs to encourage and empower women in STEM fields.

  2. Community Engagement and Outreach

    • Engage with communities to identify and support underprivileged students who can benefit from the scholarship program.
    • Conduct awareness campaigns to inform communities about the availability of scholarships and the application process.

  3. Alumni Network Development

    • Establish and maintain a network of scholarship alumni who can offer support, mentorship, and resources to current students.
    • Encourage alumni to give back to the scholarship program through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

  4. Monitoring and Evaluation

    • Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of the scholarship program on recipients and their communities.
    • Use feedback and data to continuously improve the effectiveness and reach of the program.

  5. Partnership Building

    • Collaborate with educational institutions, government agencies, non-profits, and private sector organizations to enhance the scholarship program and its offerings.
    • Establish strategic partnerships to provide additional resources, opportunities, and support for scholarship recipients.

  6. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

    • Advocate for policies and initiatives that support educational access and equity for underprivileged students.
    • Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to address systemic barriers to education and promote sustainable solutions.

By engaging in these key activities, the Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) aims to provide comprehensive support to underprivileged students, enabling them to achieve academic success and contribute positively to their communities.

Socio-Economic Data

A survey conducted by KSS in Ghana involving over 1,000 students revealed alarming financial challenges:

  1. Over 60% of students struggle to pay their fees in full within the first semester/term.
  2. Over 60% have significant difficulties covering accommodation, study materials, and feeding expenses.
  3. Many students lack funds for educational/field trips.
  4. 90% of financially needy students could perform significantly better with financial assistance.
  5. Some students fail exams due to the stress of financial pressures.
  6. Government student loans are confined to tertiary institutions, leaving many without support.
  7. Students are sometimes forced to withdraw from school due to financial constraints.

The survey’s recommendations highlighted the urgent need for a well-institutionalized financial support system to cover academic fees, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses, especially as debates over school fee increases continue.

Financial Support Systems

To address these challenges, KSP has introduced several financial support systems:

  1. Kakraba Fund (KBA Fund): This fund awards scholarships as a percentage reduction in total fees, helping needy students complete their programs by covering a significant portion of their fees.
  2. Women in Science Scholarship: Aims to increase female participation in science-based programs, offering a 40% reduction in first-year fees for Bachelor’s programs and 20% for Master’s programs.
  3. Accommodation Grant: Provides need-based scholarships ranging from 10% to 100% of first-year accommodation fees, requiring applicants to submit legal and valid documentation.
  4. Kharis Stipends Fund: Offers need-based stipends covering 25% to 80% of total stipends, requiring proper documentation and verification.
  5. Vo-Tech Development Scholarship: Encourages enrollment in vocational and technical programs, offering a 50% reduction in first-year fees and an additional 30% stipends discount for women in technical programs.
  6. Students’ Plus Book Allowance: Provides funds for purchasing textbooks, handouts, and other academic materials.
  7. Students’ Plus Remittance Allowance: Offers allowances for student upkeep and feeding during the academic period.
  8. Students’ Instant Loan Scheme: Provides interest-free loans for day-to-day expenses, school fees, accommodation, and other academic needs, repayable within one year.

Qualities of a Competitive Candidate

The Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) is dedicated to identifying and supporting students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a commitment to leadership, community service, and personal growth. The qualities of a competitive candidate are outlined comprehensively below:

  1. Demonstrated Leadership Qualities

Competitive candidates exhibit strong leadership skills through their involvement in school, community, or extracurricular activities. This includes holding leadership positions in student organizations, leading community service projects, or initiating impactful programs. These individuals show an ability to inspire and mobilize others, take initiative, and drive positive change.

  1. High Motivation and Commitment to Completing the Program and Applying Knowledge in Their Communities

Candidates should display a high level of motivation and dedication to their studies. This includes a clear commitment to completing their chosen academic programs and a strong desire to apply their knowledge and skills to benefit their communities. These students often have a vision for how their education can address local challenges and improve the lives of others.

  1. Well-Written, Professional Applications

A competitive candidate must submit a well-crafted application that reflects their seriousness and professionalism. This includes clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. The application should provide a compelling narrative of the candidate’s background, achievements, goals, and reasons for applying for the scholarship. Attention to detail and adherence to application guidelines are crucial.

  1. Clear Reasons for Selecting University Programs, Reflecting Thorough Research

Applicants should demonstrate a thorough understanding of their chosen university programs and articulate clear, well-researched reasons for their selections. This involves researching various programs and institutions, understanding their strengths, and aligning them with personal academic and professional goals. The ability to clearly explain why a particular program is a good fit indicates preparedness and strategic thinking.

Qualities of a Competitive Candidate

  1. Preference for Programs with Community-Based Commitments, Such as Education and Science

The Kharis Scholarship Program prioritizes candidates who choose fields of study that have a direct impact on community development, such as education and science-based programs. These areas are critical for addressing societal issues and fostering sustainable development. Candidates who show a commitment to these fields are likely to contribute significantly to their communities post-graduation.

  1. Strong Preference for Applicants with Limited or No Funding Sources

Preference is given to students who have limited financial resources and lack access to other funding opportunities. These candidates often face significant financial barriers to education and are in greater need of support. Demonstrating financial need through appropriate documentation and a detailed explanation of their financial situation is important.

  1. Academic Performance Meeting a Cumulative Weight Average (CWA) Correlating with a Second-Class Upper Division or Higher, or at Least Six Passes in BECE or WASSCE

Academic excellence is a key criterion. Candidates should have a Cumulative Weight Average (CWA) that correlates with a second-class upper division or higher at the tertiary level. For secondary level applicants, having at least six passes in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is required. This ensures that recipients are capable of handling the academic rigor of their chosen programs.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the primary criteria, the Kharis Scholarship Program also considers the following factors when evaluating candidates:

  • Community Involvement: Active participation in community service and volunteer work.
  • Personal Resilience: Overcoming significant personal or financial challenges.
  • Diverse Backgrounds: Representation from various socio-economic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds.
  • Future Potential: The candidate’s potential to contribute to society and the likelihood of achieving their career goals.

By emphasizing these qualities, the Kharis Scholarship Program aims to support well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Mode of Application

The Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) is dedicated to supporting students who face financial challenges in pursuing their education. The application process is designed to identify deserving candidates who meet specific criteria and demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance. Below is a comprehensive guide to the mode of application for the KSP:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Kharis Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Enrollment in a Recognized Institution:
    • The applicant must be currently enrolled as a student in any recognized educational institution. This includes junior level, secondary level, tertiary institutions, and vocational/technical schools.
  2. Membership in Restored Gospel Believers Network:
    • The applicant must be a registered member of the Restored Gospel Believers Network. This ensures that the scholarship benefits those within the church community who are committed to its values and activities.
  3. Genuine Financial Constraints:
    • The applicant must demonstrate genuine financial constraints that affect their ability to pay for tuition, accommodation, feeding, and other educational expenses. This includes providing detailed information about their financial situation and any challenges faced in securing necessary funds for education.
  4. Deserving Non-Members:
    • In addition to members of the Restored Word of God Ministries, non-members who meet the criteria and demonstrate a genuine need for financial support may also be considered for the scholarship. This inclusive approach ensures that deserving individuals, irrespective of gender, race, or religion, can benefit from the program.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to provide comprehensive and accurate information to support their application. The following details must be disclosed:

  1. Financial Support Disclosure:
    • Applicants must disclose all financial support received from parents, guardians, or any other sources. This includes providing accurate and complete information about the amount and nature of financial assistance received. False statements or failure to disclose relevant financial information will result in immediate disqualification from the scholarship program.
  2. Request for Assistance:
    • Applicants should specify the type of financial assistance they are requesting. This may include but not limited to the following:
      • Tuition Fees: Financial support to cover academic facility user fees (AFUF) and other related charges.
      • Living Expenses: Assistance for accommodation and feeding expenses during the academic year.
      • Books and Study Materials: Funds to purchase textbooks, handouts, and other necessary academic materials.
      • Transportation: Support for transportation costs to and from the educational institution during the academic period.

Application Process

The application process for the Kharis Scholarship Program involves several steps to ensure that all applications are thoroughly reviewed and deserving candidates are selected. The process includes:

  1. Online Registration:
    • Applicants must log onto the KSP website, enter their email address, and create a password. This password will be used throughout the application process. It is essential to remember and keep this password secure.
  2. Application Form:
    • After registering, applicants must fill out the online application form. This form includes sections for personal information, educational background, financial details, and the specific type of assistance requested. Applicants are advised to carefully read and follow the instructions provided on the form to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  3. Supporting Documents:
    • Applicants must submit a set of legal and valid documents to support their application. These documents may include:
      • Proof of enrollment in a recognized institution (e.g., admission letter, student ID).
      • Evidence of membership in Restored Word of God Ministries (e.g., membership card, letter from church authorities).
      • Financial statements or letters from parents/guardians detailing financial support.
      • Any other documents that verify the applicant’s financial need and eligibility for the scholarship.
  4. Application Review:
    • Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the Kharis Scholarship Secretariat (KSS) will review the application for completeness and accuracy. The secretariat may conduct further investigations to verify the information provided and determine the eligibility of the candidate.
  5. Interview and Selection:
    • Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview to discuss their application and financial needs in more detail. The interview process helps the secretariat assess the candidate’s suitability for the scholarship and their commitment to completing their studies.
  6. Notification of Results:
    • Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and the details of the financial support they will receive. Unsuccessful applicants may be given feedback on their application and encouraged to apply again in the future if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Commitment to Transparency and Fairness

The Kharis Scholarship Program is committed to maintaining a transparent and fair application process. All applications are reviewed objectively based on the criteria outlined above. The program ensures that financial assistance is provided to those who genuinely need it and who demonstrate the potential to succeed academically and contribute positively to their communities.

Contact Information

For further information about the Kharis Scholarship Program and the application process, interested candidates can contact the KSS through the following channels:

By adhering to these guidelines and criteria, the Kharis Scholarship Program aims to support deserving students in overcoming financial barriers to education, thereby enabling them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

KSP is committed to empowering students through financial support, enabling them to achieve their academic and professional dreams.

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The Kharis Scholarship Program (KSP) is a cornerstone initiative of the Restored Gospel Believers Network, dedicated to providing financial aid to deserving but economically disadvantaged students.

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