This section contains information and downloadable application forms for WBU scholarships available for blind and partially sighted persons.
INTRODUCTION
A brief summary on each scholarship program follows. Additional information for each scholarship is available below. All completed applications should be submitted to the World Blind Union either electronically to info@wbu.ngo or mailed in Braille or print to WBU, 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3E8. Canada. Applications are accepted at any time and scholarships will be awarded prior to June 30 of each year.
Applicants for all scholarships require a Letter of Application outlining how the scholarship will be used including a high level budget and a 500-word essay describing the course of study, program or self-employment project.
A Support letter from a recognized organization of or for the blind within country where applicant resides or a World Blind Union representative is also required.
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES
BARBARA MARJERAM BRAILLE LITERACY SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2008 the Barbara Marjeram Scholarship selection committee awards one or more scholarships annually to blind and visually impaired girls and women between the ages of 14 – 30 years living in a developing country. Applicants are expected to possess Braille reading and writing skills or be willing to pursue a course to learn Braille.
Scholarships range from $300 – $500 US each with up to six or more awards each year to students enrolled in a recognized education program in their country or enrolled in a recognized distance learning program. Award recipients may also be eligible for a further one time grant for a self-employment project. Read more
GERALD DIRKS SCHOLARSHIP FOR ADVANCEMENT OF BRAILLE LITERACY
Established in 2013 the Gerald Dirks Scholarship Selection Committee awards one or more scholarships annually, up to $1000 US each, to eligible blind or visually impaired women and men between the ages of 18 – 35 years from a developing country, with preference given to the African Union. Applicants are expected to possess Braille reading and writing skills. Candidates should have pre-requisite education or training to qualify either as a teacher of blind pupils; train as a teaching assistant working alongside a qualified teacher in the classroom or be involved in a creative braille literacy project. Read more
MARY HOCHHAUSEN PRIZE FOR MUSIC AND LITERACY
Established in 2014 by the Hochhausen family to honour the memory of Mary Hochhausen the Prize is presented annually by the end of June. Focus is directed to young blind women and men between the ages of 18 – 35 years who have a specific interest in and demonstrated talent for music living in a developing country. Preference will be given to candidates living in the African Union.
Two or more prizes may be awarded in any one year up to a value of $2000 US each related to learning braille/braille music notation. Funds are also available for creating a school music program or similar project.
Applicants are expected to possess Braille reading and writing skills; and have a demonstrated musical talent with an interest to further their education and/or work toward a career in music. Read more
HERMOINE GRANT CALHOUN SCHOLARSHIP FUND (currently unavailable)
The Hermoine Grant Calhoun Scholarship was established by means of a bequest of 35,000 US$, from Dr. Isabelle Grant in memory of her daughter, Hermoine Grant Calhoun. Dr. Isabelle Grant had been a high school teacher in Los Angeles, California in the United States. After losing her sight, Dr. Grant became very active in the National Federation of the Blind and developed a keen interest in blind people in developing countries. Read more
PEDRO ZURITA YOUTH FUND (currently unavailable)
This scholarship is funded by Mr. Pedro Zurita who was the WBU Secretary General from 1986-2000. The purpose of the fund is to assist young blind and partially sighted people financially to obtain education, training, and employment. The scholarship is awarded to young men and women between 15 and 30 years old. Applicants from developing countries will be given priority although applications from youth in industrialized countries may be accepted in special cases. Read more