The Tuloy Aral Project (TAP) was launched in 2004 in hopes of helping underprivileged elementary and high school children of unemployed OFWs by connecting them with OFW families who are more financially stable and are willing to sponsor their education. Beneficiaries of the program are entitled to at most a USD 100 grant per year to cover for any school fees.
Also Read: OWWA Scholarships and Training Programs
As part of OWWA’s mandate to serve and protect the welfare of OFWs and their families, they designed another benefit program that not only helps the less fortunate OFW families, but also connects them to other families.
Do note that this program caters to both active and inactive OWWA OFW members and their qualified dependents, so should you be interested, or if you know someone who might benefit from this, let this article walk you through the application process.
Contents
Benefits
Approved applicants for the program will benefit from an annual donation of up to USD 100 from sponsor OFWs or OFW families, in hopes of covering any school costs such as uniforms, books, and use of laboratory, library and other facilities.
While the program caters exclusively to elementary and high school students, an extension program called Tuloy Kolehiyo is offered to underprivileged incoming or current college students, where they can benefit from a grant of up to PhP 15,000 per academic year. The same application process is followed for this program.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, an applicant must be:
- A child of a married or single parent OWWA OFW member, or a sibling of a single OWWA OFW member
- No older than 21 years of age
- A Filipino citizen
- In good overall health and moral character
- Enrolled in any public elementary or high school, with a general average of at least 80% or equivalent
- Part of the top 20% of the graduating class
Requirements
Qualified applicants may apply upon completion of the following documents:
- 2 copies of recent and identical 1×1 ID photo
- 2 copies of duly accomplished scholarship application form
- Certificate of Good Moral Character, duly signed by the school principal or guidance counselor
- Official document of grades, i.e: Form 137, report card or Transcript of Records (TOR)
- Health certificate duly issued by attending physician
- Statement certifying that the applicant has not taken any post-secondary or undergraduate courses prior to application.
- Statement certifying that the applicant is not a dual citizen and has no pending immigration application, duly signed by the parent or legal guardian
- OFW’s proof of OWWA membership, i.e: official receipt of recent membership contribution
- Proof of relationship to OWWA member, i.e: PSA-issued birth certificate
How to Avail OWWA Tuloy Aral Project
Upon completion of the documentary requirements, follow these steps to apply for TAP:
- Go to your designated OWWA Regional/Satellite Office if applying from the Philippines, or the designated POLO office for international applicants.
- Queue in line for the educational assistance programs.
- Get an application form and fill in the required information, and attach the documentary requirements.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for a call, text or email from an authorized OWWA or POLO representative regarding your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You may check out these FAQs and answers about the Tuloy Aral project:
1. What is Tuloy Aral Program? How is it different from the other OWWA scholarships?
The Tuloy Aral Program is an educational scholarship program specifically for elementary and secondary-level children of unemployed OFWs. Unlike other OWWA scholarships which are government-funded, the Tuloy Aral Program is funded by donations from more financially stable OFWs or their families who have been invited by OWWA to volunteer and sponsor.
2. Who are qualified to apply for the program?
The program is open to both active and inactive OWWA OFW members who are unemployed or have finished their contract and have not gone back to employment, and their dependents in the elementary or high school level, upon the time of application.
3. Who determines who are qualified for the program?
The OWWA Family Welfare Officers for each POLO office are tasked to monitor the project, from inviting potential sponsor OFWs to reviewing and assessing applications.
4. How much Tuloy Aral project grant?
Approved applicants are entitled to an annual grant of up to USD 100 to cover any educational expenses, such as books, uniforms, and use of school facilities.
5. Can I apply for more than one child?
You may send multiple applications provided that an application is only for one child. But as this program runs solely on donations, there is no guarantee that you will get more than one approval.
Summary
For the most part, many Filipinos dream of and strive to work abroad, aiming for greener pastures. However, it is not always the case that they become successful in pursuing a career and are able to save up for their loved ones back home. This then leaves families, especially those within and below the middle class, to wonder how else they will prepare for the future.
Simply put, the Tuloy Aral Program enables not only the assistance to underprivileged children of OFWs but also the bridging among OFW communities in the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan. Such a program is an embodiment of the genuine Filipino service that OWWA aims to deliver to all Filipinos worldwide.
For more info on Tuloy Aral Program and other OWWA programs, you may visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial.