Salamat Po Kai Foundation
Years ago I was just like any blessed student who depends on his/her scholarship to finish college. Every semester I receive stipend from my scholarship. Most were paid for enrollment. What’s left is mine to spend.
I was a scholar of Salamat Po Kai Scholarship. It is a non-government organization, sponsored by generous Japanese individuals and organizations, which aims to help Filipino students finish their studies. The Tagalog phrase “Salamat Po” means “Thank You” while, the Japanese word ‘Kai’ means ‘foundation’.
Scholars were chosen among student applicants who passed the weighted average grade requirement. As gratitude, we scholars give cards/letters to our sponsor on important occasions such as Christmas, Birthdays and Easter day, and maintain good academic standing.
I have known the scholarship from a good friend – Janus Cabazares, whose been an SPK scholar since highschool. Together with another good friend – Milrose Salazar, we applied, and we were fortunate to receive the scholarship grant. All scholars have their own sponsor either an individual or an organization/school. My sponsor was Mrs. Ruiko Kawai, a married Japanese mother whose age at the moment is around 60 years old. I haven’t thought before that there are Japanese individuals at her age who are generously helping Filipinos.
It’s easy to boast the scholarship(s) that we receive especially when it was given out of academic performance, hardwork and perseverance. However, as I recall my college years, I feel guilty knowing that there were times that I didn’t perform at my best, and there were moments that I forgot to be grateful and even to say thank you. And even up to this very moment, I feel the heavy load for not communicating with my sponsor anymore, for not sending pictures of my graduation, and even giving a simple Thank You card as a sign of gratitude.
Salamat Po Kai Scholarship bridged me to my sponsor. Mrs. Ruiko Kawai was indeed God’s blessing to me. I may not have expressed well my thanksgiving for all the financial support she has given me but I’ll forever be grateful to SPK and my sponsor.
Maraming Salamat Po Mrs. Ruiko Kawai! Thank you Salamat Po Kai!
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