Hillsborough dad urges people to dig deep

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Former solo dad Aaron D'Souza is calling for donations to help single parents struggling with high school fees.

The Hillsborough resident is appealing to community members to sponsor deserving secondary students from one income families.

D'Souza launched Against the Odds scholarships last year to help single parents pay for school supplies and uniforms.

The teacher at De La Salle College, in Mangere, south Auckland, wanted to help others after falling on hard times himself.

Eight years ago he was unemployed, facing eviction and raising two boys alone.

Now he is delighted to be part of a blended family with his sons, 17 and 13, and a stepdaughter, 7.

"Having been through solo-parenting myself, I know what a struggle paying for school supplies can be and a lot of kids out there are missing out on school trips and camps because they can't afford to go," D'Souza said.

Applications for the scholarships can be made through Auckland schools for students with a good attendance rate and who are endorsed by a teacher or dean.

D'Souza awarded five of the $1000 scholarships last year thanks to the generosity of local families and businesses.

"It's only $1000 but that's a good amount to get them started. For most people that will cover uniforms and stationery and a chrome book," he said.

But the year nine dean is grappling to find enough funds with only two donations so far.

"Because of COVID19 it's been a hell of a year," D'Souza said. " It's a lot harder asking for things."

The food technology and hospitality teacher plans to award three scholarships to Auckland schools this year including one to De La Salle College and another to Onehunga High School where his sons are students.

D'Souza aims to raise $6000 so he has enough funding for three more donations each year for the next two years.

Trying to find ongoing funding has proved trying, he said.

"The long term goal is to get people willing to commit to three years or five years so I don't have to keep chasing money."

More information about the Against the Odds scholarships can be found here: againsttheoddsscholarships.weebly.com...