The Veracruzana University Foundation (UV Foundation) estimates an increase of between 10 and 15 percent in the procurement of procedures and support related to scholarships throughout this year, derived from the strengthening of its programs and the active participation of volunteers and donors, reported its general director, Facundo Pacheco Rojas.
In an interview, the manager explained that the Foundation is currently promoting various educational support schemes, among which the closure of the Sonrisa Nueva project stands out, carried out in coordination with the Sonrisa Foundation, which includes a contribution of close to 300 thousand pesos destined to strengthen the education of university students.
Likewise, he highlighted the support provided to young people who participate in international mobility programs, such as the case of students who recently completed an academic semester in India, which reflects the diversification of support beyond the local level.
Pacheco Rojas pointed out that, annually, more than 1,500 students benefit through the different programs of the UV Foundation. He recalled that previously the support was limited to the godfather and godmother scheme, but currently there is a broader offer that includes Bécalos, student mobility, food scholarships and the Aliados program, focused on addressing emerging situations, particularly for affected students in the Poza Rica region.
In this context, he called on society to join as a donor, emphasizing that each contribution translates directly into scholarships for students who require them. He explained that interested people can make donations through the official portal of the UV Foundation, which details the characteristics of the Allies for Tomorrow program, designed to support affected young people who seek to reactivate or continue their studies.
He indicated that applications have already been received between the months of December and January, and that the results of the assignments will be announced shortly. He specified that it is expected to grant support of approximately five thousand pesos per beneficiary, although the final number of scholarships will depend on the resources that can be gathered.
Regarding food scholarships, the general director recognized that one of the main challenges is to expand coverage, since 13 university cafeterias currently operate. Although the cost of food is 30 pesos per person, he admitted that some students do not even have that amount, so the Foundation supports with at least 10 scholarships per dining room for the most vulnerable cases.
He added that, given the damages registered in Poza Rica, a special fund was created under the name Allies for Tomorrow, with the purpose of gathering emerging resources that allow the affected students to continue or resume their academic training.
Finally, Pacheco Rojas reported that the UV Foundation is going through a process of internal reorganization and administrative reengineering, aimed at strengthening areas such as the promotion of sports and culture. He highlighted that, with the availability of spaces such as the university theater, the aim is to consolidate a broader, better disseminated event schedule with greater impact on fundraising.
“The causes are very big and the resources are sometimes scarce, but the objective is to reach more students and more places,” he concluded.
