GIFT CHANSA UNIVERSITY FEES FUNDRAISING

Give Gift a scholarship for University of Zambia

I am so proud to share that I have been accepted at The University of Zambia for a degree in sociology and need to raise $4500 to pay the tuition - will you help me?

Who am I?
I have been lucky to be  the Co-founder of Circus Zambia and Artistic Director. Some days I still wonder how I got here, coming where I came from. My experiences  have been always filled with passion and intuition, and for some reason all the connections and ambitions have led me to be in the right place. Today I can say I am  a Queens Young Leaders from 2018, recipient of Life+ Award from Life Ball, Squad ambassador for MTV staying Alive and TEDX speaker. My works have featured on BBC and CNN
 
I am Gift Chansa from Chibolya. I grew up in a very notorious compound and the poorest place in Lusaka, Zambia. I  grew up with Mom and Dad, and although there was a lot of energy, we never had enough money. Maybe that’s why no one in my family has gone to college or university. Even though on the six of us,  three (3) have completed high school, no one has gone anywhere yet. But if you look at Chibolya, at least 3% of young people end up in the University or college, you can imagine what this opportunity means to me.

After completing high school I had an opportunity to work with “Barefeet” an organization that works with young people living on the street and those that are at-risk. After some years I gained a knowledge of how valuable it could be if I put my energy toward where it all started for me - the ghetto I grew up in, Chibolya” I joined forces  with others from Chibolya and collaborated with mentors and colleagues across Zambia, Netherlands and America, and founded a social Circus, called Circus Zambia. 

Today at Circus Zambia we work with over 500 young people annually and reach  more than 5000 youths through programs and performances. We focus on circus, life skills and education. I want to show all of them what they can do. Be amazing performers, acrobats AND value education and go beyond what anyone expects of them. 

What is the plan?
I want to be the first one to set an example in my family and community and I need you help to fundraise. UNZA (University of Zambia) has offered a space in its BA in Sociology program. All I need now is your support to make it happen. Whatever you give will make a difference. 

Since finishing high school I have rewritten subjects in order to be eligible for University and last year I completed my diploma in Project Management at the National Institute for Public Administration. Now I am ready to take on the university! While I managed to get here with my own means and help from family and friends, the university is exponentially more expensive. 

The costs
 3-year University of Zambia, BA in Sociology $5,100 
I pledge to personally pay for $600 in tuition fees plus books and transportation to the campus.
Therefore - I am trying to raise $4,500 from people like you who can help me achieve this goal.
Funds must be raised before the start of academic year - January 1, 2020.

The outcome 
With this University degree, I will change my personal narrative, but maybe even more important, be an example to all the kids struggling so hard growing up in Chibolya - if I manage, they will see that they can manage, too.  In this way, we become change makers working from the ground up.  Having this degree will help me bring the good work of Circus Zambia across the globe and shine a light on the amazing things that are possible if you have a passion, a dedication and most important - an education.

I have not arrived at this point without the help and support of friends, family and colleagues stretching from Africa to Europe, to the U. K. and America.  Consider your support an investment in my future and the future of my community.


I will not be able to go further without your help - I depend on your giving.

Thanks a million times for considering supporting me.

If you want to learn more about me? check the link below