'Unlock Education' helping India's International Students

The NDTV network has initiated a campaign to help Indian students cover some of the costs of the quarantine on arrival, in the destination country, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Named 'Unlock Education', the goal of this project is to ensure that the most needy students, particularly those on scholarships and on student loans are able to afford the self-quarantine expenses.

Apart from others, recently Adar Poonawala, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Serum Institute of India has contributed Rs.10 crore towards the scheme. Poonawala has twitted, "Dear students travelling abroad, as a few countries are yet to approve COVISHIELD as an acceptable vaccine for travel without quarantine, you may have to incur some costs. I have set aside Rs.10 crores for this, apply below for financial support if needed".

While 'Unlock Education' continues to accept applications for grants, the exact amount being disbursed will be decided in a few days once there is clarity from universities on costs associated with quarantine in residence.

Thousands of students heading to the UK and elsewhere have to pay exorbitant amounts to quarantine before they can join college. While 'Unlock Education' continues to accept applications for grants, the exact amount being disbursed will be decided in a few days once there is clarity from universities on costs associated with quarantine in residence. The initiative will now take into account the new entry regulations with the goal of financially assisting deserving students.

Students travelling to countries, where self-paid quarantine is required because the acceptance of the Covishield vaccine has been delayed, are also eligible to apply for financial assistance through this scheme.

Ketto.org is the crowdfunding partner and Sanmat is the implementation partner for this initiative.