Help Launch My Tech Career: Coding Bootcamp Fund

If you know Abdullah, you know his passion. He is a man full of life, driven by a conviction to live it well. Computer programming has evolved from a passion into a career goal for him, and we invite you to partner with us in taking a significant step toward that goal.

Where he came from:

Born in Pakistan, Abdullah immigrated with his family to the US on asylum when he was 9 years old, growing up mainly in Houston, Texas. Throughout his childhood and young adulthood, Abdullah faced many hardships and suffered at the hands of those closest to him. Unfortunately, he lacked champions who encouraged him to pursue his goals and succeed. At 26, living back in Pakistan, he found himself enveloped in a cloud of depression, feeling his life lacked meaning. But God had other plans.

After beginning therapy, Abdullah was introduced to Christ for the first time. Through a series of miraculous surrenders, he came to trust in Jesus, believing in a purposeful life ahead. He then moved to Richmond, VA, to start anew, marrying his wife Sonia in September 2020 and welcoming their son Isaiah in October 2022. Surrounded by a community of friends and family, Abdullah has been bolstered to become the strong and capable man he's always wanted to be, despite many challenges.

Where he is going:

Marriage has deepened Abdullah’s resolve to provide financial stability for his family, ideally through a long-term career that leverages his natural talents and passions.

Initially, Abdullah worked as a leasing consultant in Richmond, drawing on his background in property management. While this job provided steady income and was a crucial step toward financial independence, he soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for his future. He left his job in fall 2020, earned his GED while driving for Uber, and eventually took a position as a tax preparer at EW Moore and Co, which has given him the space to discover his passion for software development.

Over the past year, Abdullah has dedicated his free time to learning through online courses, attending professional development meetups, and collaborating with friends in the tech industry, which has solidified his desire to pursue this path professionally.

The plan:

After consulting with his wife and close advisors, Abdullah has decided to enroll in General Assembly, a coding bootcamp starting in October 2024. This intensive and structured program will enable him to refine his skills and transition into a career in software development. While this commitment is exciting, it also presents significant challenges for him and his family.

Where you come in:

The bootcamp will last approximately three months, starting on October 15th, 2024, and ending on January 13th, 2025. It will require Abdullah’s full-time commitment. Classes are held from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and require an additional 15-20 hours per week for homework, amounting to approximately a 60-hour weekly commitment. He will temporarily leave his job as a tax preparer to focus on the program, planning to return for one more tax season in 2025 while he searches for programming jobs. His employer supports this decision and has agreed to cover a portion of his salary and provide full health care coverage during his educational leave. However, an additional $6000 is needed to cover living expenses during this period.

We need your support! Please consider donating to help us through this transition, or share our story with others who might want to help. Your support is invaluable to us, and we are deeply grateful for your presence in our lives.

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting." — Psalm 126:5