As per United Nations statement , at least 10% of the people live in extreme poverty, unable to fulfil the most basic needs - food, water, clothing, healthcare, sanitation, education, shelter and internet. Sustainable Development Goal 1 - No Poverty focuses on ensuring that all people particularly the people from poorer backgrounds who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group have access to all these basic needs. Achieving this goal is critical for human development and forms the foundation for all other Sustainable Development Goals.
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology is an inclusive institution that works with the motto "Education for all". Each year, SIST admits around 500 students under 100% scholarship schemes, providing access to quality higher education for the students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group .By offering this scholarship, the institution empowers students with the skills and qualifications needed to improve their economic conditions and build stable livelihoods thereby reducing the poverty in align with SDG 1.
The institution follows a Scholarship Policy aimed at supporting students from lower income and ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to quality education.
A.SCHOLARSHIP FOR LOWER INCOME GROUP STUDENTS:
Through the Scholarship Scheme such as Anbu, Government and Tata Scholarship, the institution supports students from lower income including high achievers, children of Indian Defense Personnel students from marginalised communities, economically weaker sections, differently abled students, children of destitute women and war-widows, and children of prison inmates, acid attack victims, talented sportspersons and those without parental support to ensure equitable access to education and reduce poverty .
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology is associated with numerous NGO’s such as Agaram, Maatram and the Ability Foundation to identify genuinely deserving students from underserved communities. The Institution not only offers full fee waivers to these students but also provides free food and on-campus accommodation, ensuring their physical and mental well-being throughout their academic journey.
The number of students benefitted through Government and Institution Scholarship Scheme for the Academic year 2023-2024 is 1863 as given below:
B. LOWER INCOME STUDENT SUPPORT INITIATIVES:
Beyond financial support, the institute also implements mentoring, academic counselling, and skill-development training to help students overcome barriers and stay engaged in their studies. Placement training is provided to the students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group to enable them to land up in the core MNCs, IT sectors, and hospitals. Through this initiatives, SIST is able to achieve graduation completion target of 95 % for students who fall into the bottom 20% of the household income group and empowers individuals to secure sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.
C. LOCAL START-UP ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITIVE BUILDING:
SIST actively supports the local community assisting the start-up financially and socially sustainable businesses through Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
Sathyabama TBI organised “Startup Grant Disbursal” event on 4th November 2023. In the event, grants of Rs. 1.33 Crore were awarded to start-ups by Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology emphasizing the institution's dedication and contribution towards the achievement of SDG 1
Through Sathyabama's RISE, a multifaceted initiative to empower underprivileged communities and students through various programs. These include supporting tribal communities with organic farming and an e-commerce platform, providing educational scholarships, training fisherwomen in sustainable fish breeding and income generation, and training women to become auto drivers
D.ANBU HEALTH CARD:
Medical and dental camps are regularly held to support neighbouring communities. Students and faculty from Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital provide dental check-ups in adopted villages and peripheral centres, along with public awareness activities on oral hygiene. The Sathyabama Anbu health card is an initiative by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology to provide free medical screenings for diabetes, eye and dental issues, mammograms, and abdominal scans including female staff, students, and notable women in public life. Additionally, health education programmes on sexual and reproductive health are conducted for school students to foster early awareness and encourage healthy practices.
E. Training for Improved Access to Basic Services:
The University regularly organises training and outreach programmes to improve access to basic services for all sections of the local community. SIST have adopted four schools under the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative of the Government of India (NITI Aayog).
Through its Extension Activities, NSS units, and various academic departments, the institution conducts awareness drives on health, nutrition, sanitation, digital literacy, financial inclusion, and government welfare schemes. These initiatives empower local communities with essential knowledge and improve their access to basic services.
