The cost of living payment system for scholarship recipients studying overseas will in 2016 become the responsibility of the education caretaker.
The Chief of the Payments Unit for Scholarship Recipients of the of Human Capital Development Fund (FDCH) Domingos Fernandes said while the school fees payment system is directed to the University account, the payment for cost of living will be directed through the education caretakers so that they can have better control over the expenses.
“We will do that so we know that they go to study,” said Fernandes at a meeting at the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Kaikoli, Dili.
As part of the criteria set by the ministry, the payment form must include a list of beneficiaries, the scholarship recipient’s contract and the ministry’s contract with the university.
The cost of living payment for students is to help cover food, rent and other expenses and ranges from $200 to $300 a month.
Fernandes said scholarship students must manage their expenses properly to ensure they do not affect their studies.
President of Commission F (Health, Education, Culture, Veteran and Gender equality) Member of Parliament MP Virgilio da Costa Hornai said he agreed with the new system.
He said the new system would help facilitate the direct transfer of payments.
He also called on caretakers to monitor the achievements and performance of scholarship recipients to ensure that when they returned home they make a valuable contribution to their country.
