<div>Hi everyone,
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<div>I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Joël Eke, who has just been accepted to pursue his master’s in Analysis and Policy in Economics at the Paris School of Economics (PSE).
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<div>Joël grew up in Benin, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in statistics in Parakou. He then pursued a first master’s degree at the African School of Economics. Afterwards, he joined a research team in Congo, contributing to data collection projects for several principal investigators based in the United States and Europe. His ultimate goal is to enter a competitive PhD program, and the Master’s in Economics and Policy Analysis at the Paris School of Economics represents an important step toward achieving that ambition.
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<div>You would recognise how hardworking and dedicated to others Joël is within a few minutes of conversation; if he doesn’t try to hide it, you would learn that.
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<li>Joël has the warmth of the class prefect and top student he was in all his school years,
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<li>that he worked Sundays to keep commitments to his old <a href="https://africanschoolofeconomics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASE</a> professors who fought to keep him,
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<li>how he holds no regrets losing many nights studying the political economy of taxation with <a href="https://www.povertyactionlab.org/careers/predoctoral-field-based-research-associate-one-year-uc-berkeley-democratic-republic-congo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkely in the remote DR Congo</a>,
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<li>that he is building future projects for research and implementation on education and agriculture in his home country, Benin, and beyond. Of course, you can learn more and follow his endeavours on his social media.
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<div>The PSE masters is a huge leap forward. However, despite his stellar record and ambition, Joël faces a significant financial hurdle: covering tuition deposits, housing, everyday living, and his visa approval. Paris is both one of the world’s best universities and most expensive cities. He has to fund living cost for 550 euros a month, transport for 50, and food for 100 more, and this brings his expenses over the academic year to a minimum of 7000 for 10 months. The scholarship cycle having passed this year before learning of his admission, and Joël is struggling to secure the finances essential both to his living, the proof of which will be crucial to his student visa’s approval.
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<div>Your contribution to Joël's journey can truly transform his future. Each donation, regardless of amount, strengthens his visa application by demonstrating sufficient financial resources to study in Paris. This support is valuable for Joël personally, but it’s even more so for economics as a field — it means lowering the financial barriers that keep talented, experienced voices like his out of the academic and policy circles that need them most.
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<div>Beyond the practical support, your backing sends a powerful message that Joël has a community standing behind him. This collective belief may be the most meaningful gift of all—showing him that he doesn't face this challenge alone, but with a network of supporters invested in his success.
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<div>If you can’t give right now, sharing the link with friends, family, or on social media would mean the world. Let’s rally around Joël and make sure nothing stands between him and this incredible academic adventure.
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<div>Thank you so much for your kindness and support!
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Anonymous

Mario Bernasconi

TA WEIN

Antonio von Hardenberg

Enter your donation forHelp Joël Chase his dream at the Paris School of Economics!