Just Being Center for Mindfulness & Presence is honored to announce the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship, dedicated to honoring the legacy of Lorraine Fernandes, a cherished advocate for marginalized communities.
This scholarship aims to support individuals who are actively working to uplift and empower women & children from economically disadvantaged groups through education and community service.
It is intended for those looking to further develop their skills in holding space for others through our one-year Post graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Counseling- Listening with Embodied Presence offered in collaboration with St. Mira’s College, Pune
Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Name: Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship
- Purpose: To support individuals dedicated to working with women and children from economically disadvantaged communities
- Course: Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Counseling- Listening with Embodied Presence
- Scholarship Amount: Full/Partial Course fee based on the applications received
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship:
- Current Engagement: Actively working with women and children from economically disadvantaged groups
- Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to community service for the above groups
- Education: Graduation in any discipline
- Nationality/Residency: Indian
Application Process
To apply for the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Completed Application Form for the Program: If you have not filled yet, submit HERE
- Application form for the Scholarship- Submit HERE. Keep the following ready:
- Personal Statement: A written statement (500-1,000 words) outlining your work with marginalized communities, your commitment to social justice, and how this course will further your efforts.
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with your work and dedication to marginalized communities.
- Resume/CV: An updated resume or CV highlighting your relevant experience.
Selection Process
The selection committee will review applications based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to working with marginalized communities.
- Potential impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s work and community.
- Professional achievements.
- Strength of personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Key Dates
- Program Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Scholarship Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Announcement of Recipients: second week of June
- Apply here
- Email: justbeingcenter@gmail.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +91-90110-36828
We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the important work being done in honor of Lorraine Fernandes’s legacy.
Lorraine Fernandes
While Lorraine was the mother of two girls, many people who crossed her path, often thought of her as their mother. If one were asked to come up with adjectives to describe her, we are sure the following would be amongst the top 5 – loving, generous, kind, tall, warm.
Lorraine was a teacher by profession. She gave up teaching when she conceived her first born, although she, proverbially, remained a teacher for life. Her longest role was as the Lady of the House, a homemaker and it is a role she carried and wore with pride. Alongside this, she served on the Board of Trustees for the Lila Poonawalla Foundation for several years. At some point in her lifetime, she headed the Works of Charity, a social organization of the Mount Carmel Church that facilitated the education of several needy children, who are today pursuing careers of their choice. In addition, she proudly facilitated several inter-faith meetings with the purpose of creating understanding, building sensitivity, and bringing people of different communities together. Having lost her husband at a young age and despite her responsibilities towards her home and as a single parent, Lorraine’s strongest purpose and focus was her charity work. Much of this work was done quietly and she pursued it honestly and with honour, with the singular purpose of alleviating suffering & promoting self-reliance.
Lorraine was a chef par excellence and she enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and feeding people. She loved to embroider and several of her saris were hand embroidered by her. Her weakness was saris, she could not resist buying them and left behind an impressive collection of them. The love of her life was her husband, Alfred, and the bond they shared was rare. Lorraine passed away in November 2021 but she will always be remembered for her large-hearted warm persona, her beautiful smile, her kind heart and for being the giver of the tightest, warmest hugs.
