169 persons with disabilities have been assisted through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service scholarship for special needs persons since the TSLS was established in 2014, however, the CEO Hasmukh Lal says in the last 4 years, the uptake has been minimum.
While speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between TSLS and the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Lal says the Government has committed 80 scholarships for students with disabilities but the uptake has been minimal, which has prompted them to enter into this MOU.
He says out of the 169 students, 98 have graduated, while 71 are continuing with their studies.
He adds if a student with special needs does not qualify for the degree level, they can also apply for the TVET program and get a scholarship under the TVET program.
The CEO says the scholarship is open for any area of study, but consideration will be given based on the disability of the student.
Meanwhile, NCPD Executive Director Lemeki Cagialau says they are grateful to TSLS for this initiative, and it is a great achievement for them as an organisation.
He says this will provide them with a pathway to access quality education and to have a sustainable livelihood in terms of employment when they reach that qualification.
