Eligibility for assistance from HBEF

While the Hilde Back Education Fund hopes to be in a position to assist needy children nationally, the limited resources at its disposal have restricted the group’s initial interventions to pupils from schools within Githunguri Division. Here, the group has provided a number of modest scholarships to exceptionally needy cases.

The selection process for beneficiaries of HBEF scholarships follows strict guidelines established by the HBEF Advisory Council. The Advisory Council consists of 10 members with vast experience in education matters and is the supreme authority governing the activities of the group. The day-to-day operations of the group are conducted by a Coordinator who convenes the Advisory Council to when the need arises. According to the said guidelines, the group considers applications strictly based on the following:

1. Exceptional academic performance: The applicant must provide documentary proof that he or she has been an outstanding pupil and that he or she is among the top three pupils in the class. Secondary school applicants must have scored a minimum of 380 marks out of 500 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
   
   
2. Dire financial need: The applicant must demonstrate that his or her family is unable to provide the funds needed to continue with school.
   
   
3. Availability of funds: Scholarship grants are subject to availability of funds

Documents required in the scholarship application:

a) Standard HBEF scholarship application form, duly completed and signed by parent/guardian, school-teacher and where possible local community leader familiar with the applicant’s situation

b) Typed or handwritten cover letter from applicant or guardian explaining the applicant’s circumstances

c) A certified copy of KCPE or equivalent result slip

d) End-of-term academic report forms

e) A copy of school-leaving certificate if available

Upon receipt of the application, HBEF acknowledges the application and, based on the number of applications, determines the date for the selections. If during the selection process the Advisory Council finds it necessary to get more background information regarding any applicant, it then sends a social worker to the community whose findings will enable the Council to make a decision regarding the application under review. All funds released by the group are usually sent by cheque to the applicant’s school and relevant receipts obtained.

HBEF funds come from voluntary contributions from Council members, educated members of the community as well as from sympathetic individuals and institutions locally and abroad. It is expected that once the Fund beneficiaries have successfully completed school and secured jobs, they will give back to their communities in the same way they received, and this way contribute to community self-reliance and advancement.