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I met John a few weeks after we started our first semester of classes last fall at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Over the last year, John has become on of my closests friends - he is like a brother to me. Anyone who spends a bit of time listening to his incredible story can understand why John is one of the most amazing people I know.
John is from Bawku, a small village in northern Ghana. One of three children, his father died when he was very young leaving his mother, Esther, responsible for raising the children alone. She never remarried because she wanted to ensure she placed her children at the center of her life. John left home after high school and later graduated from the University of Ghana. He began working with World Education in Accra, an organization dedicated to increasing access to formal and information education for all Ghanians, where he served as a program assistant working with vulnerable populations to prevent the spread of HIV.
Although John was already making an impact in Ghana, he aspired to contribute even more. A former professor suggested that he pursue a Master's degree in international relations in the United States. With modest means but unstoppable determination, he earnestly began studying for the GRE and preparing his grad school applications - both of which were very expensive on an average income of $300 a month. John worked extra hours and saved all the money he could to take the exam and submit his applications.
When John received his acceptance letter, the first person with whom he shared the news was his mom. She is the person he credits most for his success...her strength and perseverance in the face of incredible challenges have been the guiding force in his life. John and I spoke about the possibility of having Esther here for graduation. Although he would like nothing more than to have her here, he said that it would simply be too expensive. Knowing how much it would mean to both of them to be together on such an important day, I promised John that we would find a way for Esther to be here when he walks across the stage.
Studying in the US has not been easy for John. Like many students, he lives in graduate student housing on campus, works two jobs to make ends meet, and rarely has an opportunity to spend time with family members who live so far away. John would like nothing more than to have his mom here on graduation day. Esther would like nothing more than to be here with him to celebrate John's accomplishments. My hope is that you might be willing to help me make that possible.
My goal is to raise enough money for airfare ($1500-$2000), an Airbnb for 6 nights ($350-$450), and a bit left over for daily expenses (food, transportation, etc.). No matter how small your donation, I sincerely appreciate anything you might be able to give to help bring the most imporant person in John's life here to celebrate graduation with him.
Thank you!
John is from Bawku, a small village in northern Ghana. One of three children, his father died when he was very young leaving his mother, Esther, responsible for raising the children alone. She never remarried because she wanted to ensure she placed her children at the center of her life. John left home after high school and later graduated from the University of Ghana. He began working with World Education in Accra, an organization dedicated to increasing access to formal and information education for all Ghanians, where he served as a program assistant working with vulnerable populations to prevent the spread of HIV.
Although John was already making an impact in Ghana, he aspired to contribute even more. A former professor suggested that he pursue a Master's degree in international relations in the United States. With modest means but unstoppable determination, he earnestly began studying for the GRE and preparing his grad school applications - both of which were very expensive on an average income of $300 a month. John worked extra hours and saved all the money he could to take the exam and submit his applications.
When John received his acceptance letter, the first person with whom he shared the news was his mom. She is the person he credits most for his success...her strength and perseverance in the face of incredible challenges have been the guiding force in his life. John and I spoke about the possibility of having Esther here for graduation. Although he would like nothing more than to have her here, he said that it would simply be too expensive. Knowing how much it would mean to both of them to be together on such an important day, I promised John that we would find a way for Esther to be here when he walks across the stage.
Studying in the US has not been easy for John. Like many students, he lives in graduate student housing on campus, works two jobs to make ends meet, and rarely has an opportunity to spend time with family members who live so far away. John would like nothing more than to have his mom here on graduation day. Esther would like nothing more than to be here with him to celebrate John's accomplishments. My hope is that you might be willing to help me make that possible.
My goal is to raise enough money for airfare ($1500-$2000), an Airbnb for 6 nights ($350-$450), and a bit left over for daily expenses (food, transportation, etc.). No matter how small your donation, I sincerely appreciate anything you might be able to give to help bring the most imporant person in John's life here to celebrate graduation with him.
Thank you!