My name is Derrick Ahabyona and I am deeply honored to have been accepted into the Master’s in Public Policy and Development program at the prestigious Paris School of Economics. This opportunity is a dream come true — but without your kind support, I may not be able to afford the cost of living in Paris.

Growing up in Uganda, I have personally struggled to afford quality education. I was raised by a single mum together with my siblings, her monthly salary is less than 150 euros as a primary school teacher in western Uganda. Most times she would take loans from a village savings and credit cooperation, complemented with income from alcohol/local brewery which we would make collectively using fermented bananas to pay for our school fees.

From a young age, I have been seeing the inequalities surrounding access to education. I saw friends with potential left behind or dropping out of school, because their families couldn’t afford school fees. This background inspired me to study economics and to better understand how public policies can help break poverty cycles and access to opportunities.

The tuition for my program is affordable, 350 euros per year. Your generous help will cover my living costs in Paris. Basic items to spend on are housing, transportation, food and other basic needs. This is the major reason I am seeking to raise 4000 euros to fill the shortage on my savings which will cover my estimated expenses during the two-year program.

By supporting me, you're not just helping one student, you're investing in a future policymaker devoted to creating more equitable, inclusive systems for all mostly in low developing countries.

Every contribution, big or small brings me closer to this life-changing opportunity.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me.

Sincerely,

Derrick