❤️ Help Derrick become a nurse in Rwanda ❤️

Hello Friends, Family, and acquaintances. My name is Derrick Shema, I am 25 years old. I am from Kigali, Rwanda located in central East Africa. I am writing and starting this gofundme to ask for help with my tuition for the next two years, which I am required to complete my nursing bachelor’s degree in Rwanda. I have a passion for nursing and healthcare in general as attested by multiple internships I have held as a nursing student. To complete two years, I am hoping to raise $7000 for all tuition, other fees, and other requirements such as stationary, chair and desk, board and room, and transport for clinical placements. If I can get 700 people to give $10 each I will be so grateful to you. For the first trimester, I need to raise $1300 for 110 credits, application and registration, uniform, ID and union fees, and a clinical log book.

For the past six years, I have been living in the US where life was challenging. I was attending school and working. There were so many pressures both from internal and external factors to perform exceedingly. This took a toll on my mental health to a point that I decided to return to my home country, Rwanda, without completing my studies. My life changed dramatically when I had a mental health crisis and had to be airlifted to a Twin Cities Hospital to get medical attention. After this, I decided to return to Rwanda where I don’t have the means to complete my education since I am from a family that is financially challenged. But with your help, I will be able to complete it and become the passionate and compassionate nurse I am destined to be.

Many career nurses when asked why they wanted to become nurses, they default to their willingness to help people. This is an altruistic personality trait shared by many people including myself. In addition to having mature cognitive and emotional responses around most people, I would like to contribute to the growing mental health field in Rwanda. Rwanda, as a country that has gone through Genocide, shows a high prevalence of PTSD and depression (Prevalence of mental disorders, associated co-morbidities, health care knowledge and service utilization in Rwanda.) but on the flip side, there is low awareness. My part in this is that of an advocate and a practitioner. I have gained experience, skills, and knowledge as an individual who has had to address some of my mental health challenges as I mentioned above. As a career nurse in Rwanda, I will aim to raise awareness, advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves, and join efforts with my other colleagues to provide the necessary education, services, and resources. As an individual who has attempted suicide multiple times, I will seek to raise awareness about suicide prevention and intervention, and provide the time, space, and emotional relief for those I meet who have suicidal ideations and tendencies.

I understand and realize the above is far off into the future but it all starts now with being able to complete my education and get in the right position to start my endeavors. I appreciate every one of you who will take the time to read this, donate, and/or share this link on your social media platforms. May God bless you!