Carmudi Philippines, the leading online vehicle platform in the country, has selected the son of a fisherman and a vendor as the first sole recipient of its scholarship program. Aljohn Torreta, a senior student from the University of the Philippines Visayas taking up a BA in Communications and Media Studies, was chosen from a highly competitive batch of Cum Laude standing students from different universities nationwide.
In his application letter Aljohn wrote, “I took the initiative to apply for this scholarship grant as a way of helping my parents through our financial crisis. We are six in the family and my parents do not have stable jobs to fulfil all of our financial needs. My father is a local fisherman while my mother is a low-scale fish vendor. I am the only one who is currently enrolled because my parents cannot afford to send all of us to school. I can really feel the pain in their struggle and that keeps my fire burning. I am inspired to at least perform well at university.”
Carmudi Philippines’ first scholar
Aljohn was chosen as Carmudi Philippines’ first ever scholar as his diligent and compassionate nature was evident from his good grades and attitude towards his circumstances.
Carmudi’s Scholarship Program was open to senior students who are academically excellent but poor financially and cannot finish their studies without sufficient aid or support from an external donor.
Subir Lohani, Carmudi Philippines Managing Director said, “Building people is the heart of our culture as an organization. Giving financial support and career opportunities to these deserving students is one way for us to extend our helping hand outside our company.”
The benefits of the scholarship program include P18,000 for a semester, an opportunity to be mentored by the Managing Director of Camudi Philippines for one week and a guaranteed job interview after graduation.
Carmudi, which was launched in October 2013, is a part of the Rocket Internet portfolio which is also behind other online sites such as Lazada and Zalora. (Press Release)
