Help Mthabisi George Complete his Animal Law LLM

Help Mthabisi George Stay at Lewis & Clark and Complete His LLM Degree

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,

My name is Mthabisi George Sibanda, and I am an LLM student specializing in Animal Law at Lewis & Clark College. Over the past semester, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in this vibrant academic community, forming meaningful friendships with fellow students across the law school, graduate programs, and undergraduate campus.

January 22, 2025 Update: A Step Forward, but the Journey Continues

Dear Friends,

I am truly humbled and grateful for the incredible support and encouragement I have received so far. Your generosity has been a source of hope during these challenging times.

I wanted to share an important update regarding my situation. The school has graciously allowed me to re-register for the Spring semester, giving me an opportunity to continue my studies with certain restrictions, for example, I have not been allowed to register for all the credits required for me to complete in May 2025. However, there is still a pressing financial hurdle I need to overcome.

The school has requested that we revisit the fees discussion at the end of January. In the meantime, they have required me to settle at least $10,000 to cover my outstanding Fall semester fees in arrears. This payment is critical to ensuring that I can move forward without interruptions.

While this progress gives me hope, I am still in urgent need of support to meet this financial requirement. I kindly ask for your continued assistance, whether through donations or by sharing my GoFundMe page with your networks. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to securing my future and fulfilling my dream of completing my LLM degree.

Together, we can continue this journey. I deeply believe in the power of community, and I know that through collective effort and compassion, we can overcome any obstacle.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and belief in my journey.

The Commitment Remains

I am determined to complete my LLM studies and use this degree to contribute meaningfully to the fields of animal law, corporate governance, and environmental ethics. This education represents more than a personal dream—it is a step toward becoming an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Returning to South Africa without completing my studies would leave me with an unfinished chapter and, unfortunately, no job to return to, as my employer has rescinded my position.

How You Can Help

I am humbly appealing to the kindness and generosity of the Lewis & Clark community to help me bridge this financial gap. Whether through a donation or by sharing my story, every act of support brings me closer to staying at Lewis & Clark and fulfilling my dream.

If we can reach 2,900 people, each contributing at least $10, we can meet the $29,000 goal together. I understand that not everyone may be able to give, but even sharing this campaign with others would be an incredible act of solidarity and support.

Why Your Support Matters

During my time here, I have cherished the opportunity to uplift our community by sharing mental health motivations and inspiring poems on campus. I want to continue bringing light to people’s hearts and giving back to the community that has welcomed me so warmly.

Your generosity is not just about helping me; it’s about investing in a journey of advocacy, justice, and hope. By supporting me, you are helping another being in need, enabling me to complete my studies and fulfill my purpose of contributing positively to the world. In doing so, you also enrich your own life and become an integral part of a story rooted in fortitude, compassion, and the shared humanity that defines us as a community.

At its heart, giving is an act of growth. By extending your hand in support, you are embracing the essence of uninterested service—the kind that allows us to grow as individuals and as a society. Your kindness will forever be a cornerstone of my journey, carrying me forward and inspiring me to pay it forward.

How to Donate

Any amount—no matter how small—would mean the world to me. Together, through community and unity, we can overcome this challenge and demonstrate the profound impact of compassion and empathy in action.

With Love,

George (Mthabisi George Sibanda)

Amount on attachment shows how much needs to be paid by registration; January 6th, 2025.