Help Support Tahiry's Education!

Hi! My name is Liz, and I'm raising funds to help support 24-year-old Tahiry Rafalimanana in her first year of a Master's program at the University of Toulouse (France).

Tahiry is a brilliant, ambitious and hard-working young woman from Madagascar who has been accepted to a Master's program in Political Science at Toulouse.

(Tahiry with my daughter, Meva)

Madagascar is a unique country filled with unparalleled biodiversity and a warm, welcoming culture, but it is also one of the poorest countries in the world. The education and economic systems here are struggling, leaving even those with a Bachelor's degree from a local university with few job opportunities or room for career advancement.

A master's degree from a European university could open up many doors for Tahiry and her family -- this is truly a life-changing opportunity. Tahiry was accepted to three other Master's programs abroad (2 others in France, one in Ohio, USA) over the last two years, and while the tuition was paid for, she could never afford the up-front fees required for the student visa. Nevertheless, Tahiry persists, and continues to fight for her dream of getting an advanced degree in political science and pursuing a career in public service.

The student visa requires that she has at least $650 deposited into her bank account each month to spend on housing and living expenses - a significant amount for someone living in one of the poorest countries in the world, where 80% of the people live on $1.90 per day. An amount that has not been possible for her to earn in Madagascar given the lack of job opportunities, rising inflation and decreased value of the local currency internationally.

I met Tahiry through her incredible mother, Tiana, two years ago. Tiana is caring, wise, and energetic - she is also like a second mother to my two little ones (2yo and 7month old). She has helped me raise my babies, and now I want to help support her daughter in taking this next important step. While my children are still very young, I already know what it's like to want the absolute best for them. I would do anything to ensure their futures are secure and they have all the best opportunities within grasp.

(Tiana - Tahiry's Mom- with my son, Eddy)

I invite you to help support Tahiry in finally having the opportunity to earn a Master's Degree in France and to become more competitive in the international job market. I invite you to help change the trajectory of the life of one young Malagasy woman who has had too many missed opportunities due to small financial barriers.

I will post regular updates on Tahiry's progress in obtaining her student visa, housing, and hopefully, updates on her studies once she is in Toulouse!

For those who donate $40 or more before September 15th (and are living in North America), I will personally mail you a small souvenir purchased in Madagascar once I arrive back in the U.S. (if you send me your mailing address)!!

Thank you in advance for any small donation you can give. Every little bit helps. We set our goal at $3,250, enough to cover Tahiry's first five months of housing/living expenses until she secures a job and can pay on her own. This amount will allow her to qualify for her student visa and, once in France, to focus on her studies, find a job, and adapt to a different culture without significant financial stress.

We are grateful for your consideration. Misaotra betsaka tompoko! Thank you very much!