Help refugee Amil afford his education in Malawi

Amil's video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5JuwelOX_I

Chris writes: Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Malawi in southern Africa. There I had the pleasure to meet and make friends with Amil, a kind, warm-hearted young man who was born in a refugee camp and has overcome terrible hardship to earn a scholarship at Zomba College. Born without rights in Dzeleka Refugee Camp, he dreams of being a doctor and preventing people like his father dying unnecessarily.

He is bright, kind, a Christian who always looks to put others first whatever their identity, an incredibly hard worker. He has earned a rare scholarship to study at Malawi's main university, but has so far had to decline as he does not have the money to cover living expenses outside of the camp.

Global Finance website cites Malawi are the 7th poorest country on Earth and as a refugee Amil is on the bottom rung even there. His family rely on the money I give him and on hiring out his brother's welding machine for a precarious subsistence income. With this scholarship, Amil helps he can better himself and support his family n the long term.

I am contributing a not inconsiderable sum, but cannot give enough to cover his costs. I will hand you over to Amil to tell you his story directly:

Help Me Secure Accommodation for My Education!

My Story

My name is Amil, and I'm a refugee living in Malawi’s refugee Camp. I am a 20 years old boy with a single parent. Despite facing numerous challenges, I've worked hard to earn a scholarship to pursue my education. However, I'm struggling to cover my living expenses, particularly accommodation fees.

The Challenge

As a refugee with a single parent who is my mother, I don't have a stable source of income or a support system to fall back on. My scholarship covers tuition fees and a small contribution (around £30 a month) towards living expenses – not enough for basic accommodation and food. I'm finding it difficult to make ends meet, and I'm worried that I might have to drop out of school if I don't find a solution soon.

How You Can Help

I'm reaching out to ask for your help in covering my costs, which amount to £85 per month. Chris is giving me £50 a month, but we have estimated I will need another £35 per month over the four year course. Your contribution will go directly towards securing a safe and stable place for me to live while I focus on my studies.

Here's a breakdown of how I plan to use the funds:

- £60 per month for accommodation fees

- £25 per month for food and other essential expenses

What I will do with Extra Funds

If I receive any additional funds, I plan to use them to cover other essential expenses, such as:

- Spectacles to correct my vision

- Vitamins to support my bone health

- Emergency medical needs

- Travel to visit my family

Accountability

I want to assure you that I'll be transparent and accountable for the funds I receive. My friend Chris, has kindly offered to oversee the funds and ensure they're used responsibly.

I'm grateful for your consideration and support. Your contribution will make a huge difference in my life and help me achieve my educational goals. Please donate generously to help me secure accommodation for my education. Every little bit counts!

This video shows life in Amil's refugee camp: www.youtube.com/watch?v=39K4_3gtZKk

Q&A

Q) What if you don't raise enough to cover Amil's costs?

A) We expect to at least cover his first year, and if needs be we will run further crowdfunders to cover later expenses. There will be no pressure to contribute again.

Q) What if you receive more money than you expect?

A) Amil's financial position remains precarious, and any additional money will be much appreciated to help with his healthcare, travel and any unexpected expenses. The money will be first and foremost reserved for Amil, but if we get a significant amount over his needs we might give some to help his immediate family - his mum and brother.

Q) How can I be assured that the money will be used as intended?

A) Amil is very conscientious and takes the trust of those who are helping him very seriously. He doesn't drink alcohol or smoke. I will manage his money and give it to him in monthly instalments, and have careful discussions with him about how it is spent.

Q) Are there uncertainties about the costs?

A) Yes. The Malawian kwacha is currently losing value at a fast pace, mean that the money we raise is worth more but prices in Malawi are going up. We don’t know yet what accomodation Amil will be able to find in Zomba, not exactly what support the scholarship or university is providing.

Q) What if Amil doesn't go to university for any reason?

A) Amil is committed to his education and is determined not to let anything get in the way of him getting to university. In the very unlikely event that he doesn't go for any reason, Amil will still need financial support and the money will still be used.

Q) Why isn’t this being done through a charity?

A) I have a personal connection with Amil and want to support him specifically. Charities are wonderful but in Malawi there is so much need that the money risks being spread too thinly. In addition, charities have overheads and cannot get as good an exchange rate as I can as an individual using Mukuru.

Q) Is it possible to speak to Amil?

A) Yes! Amil enjoys meeting new people and is very happy to have a chat over WhatsApp (text, voicenotes or a videocall) to explain more about his situation and plans. Please send a comment via the 'Contact' link below and we will be in touch.

Q) I would like to pay Amil directly rather than going through a Westerner. Is that possible?

A) Yes! Please send a comment via the 'Contact' link below and we will be in touch.

Q) Can I support Amil in instalments and/or longer term?

A) At present there is no end date on this GoFundMe so you can come back and give regularly or when you are able. We are looking into ways that people can pay modest monthly contributions to keep up with Amil’s life, perhaps blogging and sharing videos through Patreon or Substack. Amil is a talented musician and I’m hoping with access to instruments at the university her might have some music to share. If you want to be kept in the loop on this, let us know via the 'Contact' link below.