Hello everyone! This is Jamail Khan, a 2024 graduate of Harvard Divinity School and a current Fulbright fellow. I have created this GoFundMe for a Pakistani mentee of mine because GoFundMe is not supported in Pakistan. Please read below Farah's story in her own words:

Hello, my name is Farah. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, in 2023. I am reaching out in hopes that your support might help fulfill my dream of studying Economics at Paderborn University in Germany. While I’ve received offers from top German universities, financial limitations are currently dimming my chances of pursuing them.

I come from a small town in Baluchistan, where limited access to education and healthcare presented many challenges to my family. In 2010, my family and I relocated to Punjab, but shortly after our move, a devastating flood struck the region, leaving us with a destroyed residence. In 2016, my father abandoned our family, and my mother became the sole provider for me and my younger brother. Her sacrifices allowed me to excel academically despite these hardships.

My education journey started in high school, where I excelled and was among the top students in my batch, and received a scholarship from PEEF in 2017 for my excellent performance. My accomplishment in high school enabled me to secure admission to a prestigious college with an 85% merit scholarship. Throughout my academic journey, I consistently achieved high grades and actively participated in extracurricular activities such as badminton and running competitions. In 2019, my excitement to join university was dampened when I was unable to pay my tuition fee. My mother sold her gold jewelry to ensure that I could continue my studies. Following high school, I attended the most highly regarded university of South Punjab, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. I was awarded the Ehsaas Merit Scholarship for my undergraduate studies, enabling me to complete my degree successfully. Through my studies, my interest in Economics deepened, fueling my passion for exploring and contributing to economic solutions for Pakistan. My dedication and hard work in my undergraduate studies were honored with a silver medal, presented by the Governor of Punjab, for securing 2nd place in academics in my class year.

During my studies, I’ve also worked to support my community. As a social mobilizer for the Saiban Development Foundation, I contributed to various community projects, including initiatives in sustainable agriculture and alternative energy. As a student brand ambassador for the State Bank of Pakistan, I ran a campaign promoting financial literacy among youth, developing my interpersonal and communication skills. I have also participated in international conferences, including the fully funded Women Deliver Virtual Conference 2023 in South Africa, the International Youth Fest, and Youtex Future Leaders 2023.

Given Pakistan's severe economic and political challenges, I see limited academic opportunities here. My offer to study at Paderborn University in Germany would allow me to build expertise that could help lift my family and community. However, given my financial situation, this dream is only achievable with your assistance. Although my master’s program is tuition-free and a distant family member has been generous enough to sponsor me. This means that I no longer need a blocked account that is required to pursue studies as an international student in Germany. However, I still need funds to cover various other expenses. All of these expenses are outlined in detail below.

Your support will not only help me pursue my passion for Economics but will also bring hope to my family and inspire others in my community. Studying abroad will open new professional doors, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan. Any contribution toward my journey would be deeply appreciated and forever remembered.

Sincerely,

Farah

Funds Breakdown:

Airfare (Lahore - Germany): $750

Semester contribution: $500

Accommodation & deposit: $3,800

Health insurance: $980

Visa fee: $100

Books & supplies: $350

Food: $700

Personal expenses: $600

GoFundMe charges: $200

TOTAL COST (estimated): $8,000

Note: GoFundMe is charging a transaction fee of about $200, hence we need to take that into account.