A fund set up by the Aichi Prefectural Government in March is providing financial aid to students from children¡¯s homes seeking to enter higher education.

¡°I want to realize my dream and live up to the expectations (of my supporters),¡± said a 19-year-old Aichi student who entered a private university in April to major in sports studies. He aspires to become a physical education teacher and is one of 11 students the fund is backing this year.

The student, who was born in Mie Prefecture, said he had to live in a group foster home during his first four years of elementary school because he was abused by his father.