I am based in Germany have set up this GoFundMe for Aliza, because it is not available in Pakistan or Turkey. This is her story:

I’m Aliza*, a 19-year-old student from Pakistan, accepted to study Economics at Sabanci University in Turkey. After facing the devastating loss of my single mother during my A Levels, I’m determined to continue my education without parental support. I’m seeking your help to turn this dream into a reality and secure a brighter future.

Background

I grew up as a scholarship student in good private schools, but behind the success was a life filled with domestic and financial abuse. My father, an influential military officer, subjected my mother, my sisters, and me to constant cruelty. When my mother finally separated from him to protect me, he retaliated by kicking us out of our home and cutting off all financial support. Despite the police being involved after he tried to strangle my mom, no action was taken, and we had to cut all ties for our safety.

My mom, a dedicated teacher of over 30 years, worked tirelessly to keep us afloat as a single mother. I focused on maintaining my merit-based scholarships and securing a future through education. Just as we began to rebuild our lives, my mother passed away suddenly from undiagnosed stage IV cancer in December 2022. Losing her devastated me—she was not only my protector but my rock, the only one fighting for me in a system that often felt impossible as a young woman. In the wake of her death, I lost our home, our savings, and the life we had worked so hard to rebuild. I even lost my pets and some of my friends, as they couldn’t handle the magnitude of my grief.

Since then, I’ve been left to navigate a broken legal system, fighting for my inheritance, which was either stolen through corruption or absorbed by my father due to inheritance laws in Pakistan. Amidst the turmoil, I tried to push through my A-Levels, but the overwhelming loss and constant upheaval caused my grades to drop. I’ve moved four times in two years, each time struggling to find safe and affordable housing. With no chance to even visit my older sister – my main supporter since our mother’s death – in Germany due to visa challenges, I have been left isolated in my grief. The dreams I had of studying in Germany to get an excellent, affordable education and living closer to my sister felt like they were slipping away as my personal circumstances spiraled out of my control.

Despite everything, I remain determined to continue my education and build the future my mom believed in and worked so hard for against all odds. But I need your help to make this dream a reality.

Current Situation

I come from a legacy of strong women and their strength has fueled my determination. After researching affordable international universities, I was thrilled to earn a spot at Sabanci University in Turkey, with a 50% tuition scholarship and housing support.

However, I still face significant financial hurdles for the remaining costs despite my sister helping as much as she can and my uncle chipping in. This is why I’m reaching out for your support to secure not only my education, but also my wellbeing and safety in a more stable country.

Goals

I have researched the costs of living in Turkey and made conservative estimates of how much money I would need to complete my degree. My sister only has enough savings to cover the first year up front. My tuition fees are due on a semester basis. Please see the breakdown below.

Impact

Every Euro, Dollar, or Lira you donate will have a profound impact on my future. Your support will give me the chance to study in a country where I can enjoy greater rights and live in peace. It will ease my financial worries, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and work towards becoming a financially independent woman, ready to tackle environmental and social challenges. I also plan to continue rescuing animals in my free time.

I know times are tough for many, but I promise to pay it forward when I am able to one day.

Please consider donating and sharing my story—every contribution brings me closer to achieving my dreams. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Further Details

My name has been edited and my photos have been blurred to protect my privacy and ensure my safety, especially from my father, who continues to have powerful military connections in Pakistan. However, I am happy to share grade progress reports and tuition fee invoices with sponsors.

Feel free to reach out here if you have any questions or words of support.