Study and earn: How these college students are redefining financial independence

KOTTAYAM: A group of 25 students from Cherpunkal BVM College in Pala has demonstrated that part-time jobs are possible in one's hometown. These students, pursuing professional courses like BCA, MCA, BCom, MCom, Visual Communication, and MSW, have taken on various roles such as tuition teachers, drivers, suppliers, photographers, delivery staff, supermarket employees, and insurance company agents to earn a steady income.

Thanks to their part-time jobs, these students can cover their college fees, food, and travel expenses without burdening their families. It was Principal Fr. Baby Sebastian who introduced this concept five months ago. He launched a youth bank and assigned Commerce Department teacher Joby Mathew to coordinate it. Local shops, institutions, and petrol pumps were informed about the students' willingness to work, and with the students joining, shop owners also benefitted as they didn't have to hire full-time staff.

Class timings adjusted
The college has adjusted its class timings to facilitate the students' work. Classes are now held from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Some students earn up to Rs 15,000 per month, enabling them to purchase essentials like bikes and phones, pay their fees, and even save a small amount.