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.