Please Help Maureen in Kenya Complete Her Studies

Hi Folks!

 

My name is Andrew Hessel. I'm a biologist that works in synthetic biology -- the technology that made mRNA vaccines possible and much more. I work with several organizations, including Synbio Africa, where I serve on their advisory board .

 

I had a chance to visit Uganda in November, 2018. While there, I met many amazing people, including George Ssenbulya, a young man who recently graduated with an MSc degree in E-commerce, thanks to you! George has become a good friend, one that I speak with almost every day.

 

George and me in Kampala, 2018

 

George is scrupulously accountable and trustworthy. (He had originally intended to become a priest.) He's helping me explore what it will take to found a new biotech-focused school/business incubator, and I've been helping him throughout the COVID pandemic. He's the main supporter for his family. He also has a giant heart and always wants to others in need, especially women, children, and students. He was the first person in his family to get an advanced degree, and he knows that education is essential for Africa's future.

 

Higher education is very expensive in Africa and out of reach for most students without grants or scholarships. Student loans are almost non-existent. But COVID-19 has caused a lot of economic disruption in Africa and abroad. Many students have lost their sponsors or grants.

 

Last week, George shared a story with me abiut this family that he knows.

 

Beatrice, is a single mom with 4 children, two older girls, and two young boys. She's not able to do her regular work right now because of COVID and she's struggling. She's getting by doing some odd jobs like making masks and liquid soap, but it's not enough.

George and Beatrice

George with Beatrice and her boys

Beatrice and her daughters

 

Her oldest daughter, on the left, was able to complete her studies but hasn't yet been able to get a job. But it's helping the young daughter, Maureen, on the right, that is causing the most concern for Beatrice. She told George how stressed she feels.

 

Maureen has completed three years of a Bachelor of Commerce and Economics program at Kenyatta University in Kenya. She has just two semesters left, but her sponsor is no longer able to provide support. Without another sponsor, she’ll have to leave school. Her entire future will be out on pause.

 

George said he’d try to help.

 

Maureen at the University

 

George encouraged Maureen to get a student loan, but she was denied. George is already helping the family financially as much as he can. He asked me about a GoFundMe. There’s no harm in trying, I replied. People are empathic and generous.

 

So George and I are asking for your help. We would like to see Maureen stay in school. Her classes are scheduled to start on October 3 — just a few days away. Her costs for each semester are outlined below.

 

 

At current exchange rates, this is about $1,130 USD, so Maureen will need $2260 to complete her degree. We're hoping to raise at last $1250 USD here, which net of fees and exchange rates should be enough to cover one semester. Of course, we'd be thrilled to raise enough to cover both semesters.

 

Know that your support will reach Maureen. George will receive any funds received and make sure they're properly applied. We use Sendwave for money transfers -- it's terrific and immediate.

 

Your help and generosity are so important for people like Beatrice and Maureen. It's no exaggeration that your support will change the course of their lives. By completing her studies, Maureen will be able to get a high-paying job, or start her own business, and help her family have a better life. Know that every contribution no matter how small makes a big difference. So does sharing this request for help with others.

 

Thank you for reading this and for helping me and George! George would say God Bless you, too!

Have a great day,
Andrew and George