Hello everyone,

My name is Grace Bockarie, and I am a passionate final year Fashion Design student from Sierra Leone, currently studying at the University of East London in the UK.

Unfortunately, my financial sponsor has suddenly lost their income stream and is no longer able to support me in my studies. I therefore urgently need people to come alongside and help me to finish my final year.

Fashion has always been more than just clothes for me – it is a rich language of culture, empowerment, and hope. My goal is to start a Fashion Academy in Sierra Leone that will raise up and inspire a whole generation of Sierra Leonean fashion designers, brands, and businesses that create jobs and grow an emerging fashion industry. This will be part of the existing Living Seeds Training & Business Schools organisation.

My university fees are paid, but I do not have the finances to cover my Accommodation Contract, Living Expenses & Course Materials, University Field Trip to the French Fashion Houses, Shipping Fees for my personal belongings, and my Air Ticket home after graduation. The costs for this are:

9 months x Rent of £1,000 per month = £9,000

9 months x Living & Course Material Expenses of £500 per month = £4,500

Course Field Trip to French Fashion Houses = £1,000

Air Ticket Home = £1,500

Shipping Fee for Personal Items = £500

TOTAL = £16,500

I am trying to earn some money by braiding and making clothes for people, but my final year is very intensive, and so there is not much opportunity for such activities.

This degree means everything to me

not just for my own future, but for the community I hope to build when I return home.

Your support will help me:

• Finish my final year strong and complete my degree

• Stay in stable housing while studying

• Return home safely after my course

• Continue my mission to empower young people and showcase Sierra Leone’s creativity through fashion

Can you help me? Even the smallest contribution means the world to me. Every donation is a step closer to finishing my education and turning my vision into reality. If you are able to give a monthly amount, that would be an incredible support. I am already deeply grateful to the kind person who is giving me £50 a month from their pension.

Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me carry my dream forward.

With love and gratitude,

Grace Bockarie