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Help Launch a Brighter Future for Cumalé James Turay!
Hello Friends, Family, and Supporters Near and Far—
My name is Kwame ‘Cumalé’ Fitzjohn, and I recently turned 70 years old. As part of this milestone, I’ve chosen to give back by launching a Scholarship Fund for a remarkable young man in Sierra Leone: Cumalé James Turay—my namesake and godson.
Cumalé is a teenager who has already achieved what many only dream of:
In December 2024, he represented Sierra Leone in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) tournament in Senegal. His team finished runners-up, proudly bringing home the silver medal!
He’s also earned a Diploma in Banking & Finance at IPAM, University of Sierra Leone—and is now preparing to enter their Information Technology degree program.
But while Cumalé has the talent, drive, and discipline, his family is struggling to meet the cost of his university tuition. His father, Ornette Turay Sr., is a former student of mine and a graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. His mother, Juliet Turay, is a certified schoolteacher. Both are committed parents doing their best under difficult financial circumstances.
That’s where you come in.
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OUR GOAL: $2,000 by July 6 (Cumalé’s Birthday!)
If 60 people give just $34, we’ll meet our target!
Larger contributions—$50, $70 (in honour of my 70th!), or $100—are of course welcome.
Even $7 makes a difference.
We will publicly share the final results of this drive on July 6, 2025, Cumalé’s birthday.
Your donation will go directly toward Cumalé’s tuition and essential educational support.
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Why This Matters
In Sierra Leone, access to higher education remains a major challenge for many talented youths. Cumalé's journey—balancing academic ambition with national-level athletics—is both extraordinary and inspiring. This scholarship isn’t just about tuition; it’s about giving a deserving young man a real shot at building a better life and becoming a beacon for others.
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Important Note
This is a personal initiative and is being shared only with longtime friends and family.
It is not connected in any way to the Peace Corps, the Ricks Institute community, or any of my current colleagues.
There are no solicitations being made to anyone affiliated with those institutions or communities.
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Let’s rally around this promising young man and help make this birthday his most transformative yet.
With love and deep gratitude,
Kwame ‘Cumalé’ Fitzjohn
Peace Corps Response Volunteer & Proud Godfather
Washington, DC / Liberia / Sierra Leone
Bless your heart—and thank you.
Organizer
Peter Daniel Turay
Organizer
Auburn, WA