This first-of-its-kind scholarship program has awarded financial assistance to 25 exceptional students from 19 districts across Bangladesh, allowing them to study at five renowned public universities: Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Cumilla University, Rajshahi University, and Jahangirnagar University. These students come from low-income families engaged in farming, fishing, and day labor. The Britto Scholarship aims to remove the financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing higher education.
The scholarship covers admission fees, tuition fees, and dormitory costs for a year. Additionally, it includes an internship opportunity at Footsteps, providing students with essential skills and experience for their future careers. Footsteps plans to offer the Britto Scholarship Program twice a year, with the goal of supporting as many underprivileged students as possible through donations from individuals and organizations.
“Scholarships are vital for developing individuals and providing opportunities to them and their families, fostering community development and nation-building,” said Shannon West, Interim Director of British Council Bangladesh. “Organizations like Footsteps play a crucial role by operating at different levels and in different ways than other INGOs and governmental bodies, supporting those who need it most and who will use such opportunities to give back to their communities.”
Shahadat Hossain, a scholarship recipient from Lakshmipur District who will be studying at Chittagong University, expressed his gratitude: “The scholarship will support me financially, and the internship will help me develop my skills and gain experience. This holistic program allows me to focus on my education without worrying about the costs.”
Footsteps Bangladesh is currently empowering over 600,000 people across the country through its five core programs aimed at addressing extreme poverty. The Britto Scholarship Program, part of Project Britto, aspires to nurture young students into the future nation-builders of Bangladesh.
