The future of around 1,800 scholarship applications is now unclear. This is because the First Lady, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, has resigned. She was the president of the Independent Social Support Body. Her leaving has stopped important financial aid from being processed. Now, the Body's Managing Committee is asking for urgent help.
The Independent Social Support Body started in 2015. It helps students with money problems. This support allows many students to go to university. The First Lady's decision to resign has caused this problem. It has interrupted how decisions are made. The Managing Committee is worried. They have asked Mrs. Christodoulides to think again about her resignation. They also suggested temporary plans to keep things working.
Decisions for the 1,800 scholarship applications for next year are waiting. The Council of Ministers will make these decisions. Also, new rules from the Audit Office will be used. The Accountant General, who is the Body's treasurer, will follow these rules. These rules ask for permission from donors for some public thanks. This will make money handling more open.
The Managing Committee said that the Body's work is honest. They confirmed that all scholarships are sent by safe bank transfers. A full review by the Auditor General found no problems with donations or spending since 2015. This review shows the Body follows good rules.
The First Lady's resignation has stopped the scholarship review. This could hurt students' plans for education. The Managing Committee has made suggestions to the Minister of Labour. These aim to keep processing applications and using reserve funds. The Accountant General will also follow new rules for donor information. These plans show an effort to manage this change and help students.