Help a Ghanaian Scholar Complete His Dream of Graduate Studies in the U.S.

Our hearts have become intertwined with a Ghanaian International Student whose name is Rockson Fifi Arkorful. Fifi, as we call him, is pursuing a Master's degree in City and Regional Planning at the University of Memphis. He has a deep passion to create sustainable, resilient cities, especially in the face of flooding and climate challenges in his home country of Ghana. He embarked on this academic journey to gain the skills and knowledge to make an impactful difference in communities.

Here is where we need your help: Fifi was blessed to receive a scholarship from a sponsor, which was to cover the costs of his housing and education. However, for the past two semesters, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, the promised financial support was not delivered. This unfortunate development has left him with a huge growing balance that he is unable to pay as a student living in a foreign country limited to 20 hours of work a week.

Despite these challenges, Fifi has maintained excellent academic standings (GPA 3.86) and remains committed to his studies and future contributions to urban planning. Fifi faces an overwhelming threat: the University of Memphis is preparing to withdraw his student status due to the outstanding tuition. If this happens, he risks losing not just his past academic work of 24 credit hours but his future academic pursuits. Most importantly, he could lose his legal visa status in the United States.

We’ve observed Fifi as he’s worked part-time jobs at the University, but it isn’t enough. He has exhausted every avenue available to him and is humbly reaching out for support. His goal is to raise $27,500, which will cover the past-due tuition for Fall and Spring, help him remain in school, and continue working toward the vision of improving urban resilience in underserved communities.

This is more than just about Fifi. It is about the opportunity to return home and apply what he’s learned to shape safer, more sustainable cities for future generations. Every dollar you contribute is not just an investment in his education but it's an investment in the future of urban development in Ghana and similar communities around the world. How often do we get to make a difference in a foreign land?

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this with others who might be willing to support Fifi’s cause.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and belief in education and transformation.

With gratitude,

The Lyles Family