My name is Kelsey Kannenberg, and I have known Maxwell Maulana for over two years. My partner (Will Fenner) and I ask you to help financially support Maxwell in his higher education.

 

Short story:

 

 

 

 

Long story:

 

Maxwell grew up in Malawi and has always loved to learn. He excelled in school from a young age, and he earned the top score in his district on a nationwide standardized test in 7th grade. His high score earned him a spot at Blantyre Secondary School, one of the top-ranked public high schools in the country. Maxwell did well in high school and earned an admirable score on the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examination, the standardized test taken at the end of high school. His MSCE score was high enough for him to gain acceptance into nearly any university in the country. He applied and was accepted into multiple top universities, but he eventually had to deny his acceptance because he could not source the funds to attend. After three years, the score from that MSCE examination is no longer valid when applying to universities in Malawi. Maxwell had worked hard, but he lacked financial resources and ran out of time.

 

We met Maxwell while working as Peace Corps volunteers in Thondwe, Zomba District, Malawi. A friend introduced us to him when we were looking for a counterpart who would be reliable and committed to helping us facilitate programs in the community. I wrote about our wonderful experience working with Maxwell for a blog on the Peace Corps website, which you can read here. Maxwell was an incredible counterpart to work with. He generously shared his time and energy to help make our Peace Corps work possible and enjoyable. If you have ever talked to us about our time in Thondwe, you have almost certainly heard us speak of Maxwell– he played a significant role in our work, learning, and enjoyment of life. Since our sudden departure from Malawi in March 2020, we have stayed in regular contact with Maxwell via WhatsApp messages and calls. We are forever grateful for the central role he played in our lives while we were in Thondwe, and he is still one of our closest friends. We ask our friends, family, and anyone who is able to help us support Maxwell while he pursues higher education.

 

After visiting several universities and speaking with administrators and lecturers about his potential options, Maxwell decided to pursue a Business Management diploma at the Management Development Centre, part of the University of Malawi in Blantyre. Students in this program gain skills that many employers are looking for in Malawi, and the program also provides opportunities for networking. He will study in the diploma program for two years, and then he will be able to transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program or find work with his diploma. This diploma program is a crucial stepping stone for Maxwell to eventually seek employment. He makes thoughtful and meaningful contributions in any space he is in, and higher education will help to grant him access to more spaces with new skills to make a difference.

 

Maxwell is extremely excited to be starting on this path, and he is dedicated to his studies. After his first week of classes in the diploma program, he was elected the class president. He is already making connections and finding himself in a leadership position, and we are confident that he will work to succeed in this program.

 

We have worked closely with Maxwell to estimate the total cost for two years of the diploma program and living expenses in Blantyre. We hope to fundraise to cover all of these costs so that Maxwell can have his needs met and focus on the diploma program. Below is a breakdown in U.S. dollars. If you have any questions about the prices or the logistics, please feel free to message us.

 

 

We appreciate your support through contributions and spreading the word. A contribution of any amount directly helps Maxwell and secures his path forward in his diploma program.

 

Maxwell plans to send a personal voice message to anyone who contributes $50 or more.

 

 

Cost Breakdown

School expenses

Diploma program tuition and fees– $1990.80

Textbooks-- $182.40

 

One-time expenses:

Truck to move belongings from Thondwe to Blantyre– $40.80

Laptop– $414

Laptop bag– $20.40

USB drive– $17.40

Table and chair– $75.60

Blanket– $24

Other household purchases– $90

 

Ongoing living expenses:

Rent– $54 per month x 24 months = $1296

Food and cooking expenses– $48 per month x 24 months = $1152

Transportation to school on rainy days for 2 years– $43.20

Transportation to visit family on school breaks for 2 years– $120

Miscellaneous living expenses– $25 per month x 24 months = $600

 

Fees for transferring funds via MoneyGram– $150

 

Total– 6216.60