Support Kojo's Studies at Sussex

My name is Kojo McPherson and I've been telling stories nearly my entire life; I’m a creative professional. 

I began my creative career over 15 years ago as a scriptwriter crafting stories for a radio soap opera, Merundoi, that addressed public health issues - primarily HIV/AIDS - and the societal ills that contribute to or arise from them. The writing team crafted characters and stories that helped address, counter, dismantle and even construct new attitudes in our listeners around the hot issues - not just abstinence and condom use but pedophilia and absentee parents. I began to have an understanding of how powerful stories can be.  

Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, once said, “Stories have been used to dispossess and malign. But stories can also be used to empower and to empower and humanize.” I really believe this to the core, not just philosophically but because of the experiences, I’ve had as a creative professional that began with Merundoi.

When I first found the Media Practice in Development and Social Change program at the University of Sussex it seemed to pull all of my experiences, interests, and - most importantly - aspirations under one roof. I was GIDDY! Here was a program that could not only help me sharpen and update some of my skills as a content producer but to channel those skills to move the needle on issues of change and development I care most about - social cohesion probably being chief among them.

The total tuition for the MA in Media Practice in Development and Social Change is roughly equivalent to USD 24,450. I’ve made a deposit to secure my offer leaving the USD equivalent of 21,800. I’m asking your help to raise $15,000. 

Being able to attend the University of Sussex isn’t just a great professional move - Sussex has been ranked the #1 school globally for Development Studies and has facilities for Media Arts; I’ll be able to give myself opportunities to be a more impactful storyteller.