A bright future for Bright!

Hey everyone! I believe in the power of education, which is why I'm raising money for university tuition for my friend Bright. If I could cover the fees, I would do so in a heartbeat, but alas, I cannot! So here we are at my next best idea - GoFundMe! I also think that giving people a chance to show generosity towards others, even strangers, is a beautiful thing. My hope is that you agree with me on this and that together we can help Bright's future become even brighter.

(Above picture: Bright leading a Hope Club children's program.)

The backstory: I met Bright roughly 4 years ago on my first trip to Lusaka, Zambia. He was a teenage volunteer with the Hope for One organization I had just started working with. I've been back to Zambia several times since that first trip, and each time I've been able to connect with Bright. I've asked about his dreams and what he wanted to do with his life and he expressed his desire to go to university. His passion is in the field of computer science. I told him to continue taking his studies seriously, which he did. We've kept in touch through WhatsApp throughout the years and he's kept me posted on his educational progress and milestones.

(Above picture: Bright helping as a demonstrator during a Hope for One training session.)

The beginning of 2022: In March of this year, Bright told me applications for universities were opening up and that he had his heart set on Copperbelt University in Zambia. I suggested he apply to as many universities as possible to greater his chances of acceptance. He did that and got accepted to all 3 universities he applied to, including his number one pick: Copperbelt University! I dug a little deeper and asked some questions about finances, possible scholarships, etc. He said he wasn't eligible for them. So I said we'd figure it out together, somehow!

(Above picture: WhatsApp screenshot. Bright showing me his acceptance letter into Copperbelt University.)

Present day: Bright is currently registered at Copperbelt University, student 359 in the School of Information Technology. He'll be studying to get his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and be a full-time student for 4 years. He's got a job covering his living expenses. What I've committed to try to help him cover are the fees for his tuition.

(Above picture: WhatsApp screenshot. Bright sending me the list of registered students.)

My ask: Tuition fees are 29,000 Zambian Kwacha per year. According to my currency converter app, as of August 21st that amount is equivalent to $2,332.84 CAD // $1,795.60 USD // €1,788.62 Euro for all you international friends. I've rounded the fundraising goal up to an even $2,500 CAD to cover his first year. Any extra money will be an added blessing for Bright. Tuition payment is due October 18th, so in order to give proper time for processing and transferring of funds, etc., whatever money that has been raised by October 1st will be sent directly to Bright via Western Union. I will personally cover any fees associated with GoFundMe and Western Union. For transparency, I will also make available screenshots of transfers and receipts.

(Above picture: Screenshot of currency conversion.)

On a personal note, for years when I worked in New York, making very little money, I experienced the generosity of people giving to me. It was often random, and sometimes I didn't even know the person! But other people's support, in words and money, goes a long way. It helps us practically and it encourages our hearts. I would love for Bright to experience that - a community of generous people coming alongside him, encouraging him to succeed in his education. Thanks so much for giving of your time to read this; thanks for your money if you're giving toward this; and thanks for sharing if you pass this link along for others to see.

(Above picture: Myself and Bright, 2019 in Lusaka, Zambia.)