Hi, my name is Lukene. I’m a 22 year old Zoology student studying in the UK, and I’m living through the hardest chapter of my life.

First, I want to say thank you. Truly.

To everyone who has donated, shared, or even taken the time to read my story, you have already helped me more than I can put into words. Because of your support, I’ve been able to pay a portion of my tuition instalment and stay afloat during a time that felt impossible.

But I’m not fully out yet.

My father was the person who helped me with my tuition, and when I lost him, everything changed overnight. My mum is doing everything she can, but the truth is that we’ve fallen into a level of financial struggle we never imagined, and every day is still a fight for stability.

I came to the UK to study Zoology because it’s my purpose. Animals, nature, and science have always been where I feel most alive. But after losing my father, the financial support that kept me in university disappeared. Since then, I’ve been trying to hold everything together on my own, grief, studies, living costs, and the constant pressure of not knowing how I’ll make it through each month as an international student.

I didn’t want to make a fundraiser.

I tried to handle everything quietly, but the reality is that this is bigger than me. Without support, I am at serious risk of not being able to continue my degree or remain in the UK.

Right now, I still have £5,000 left to pay for this academic year.

And looking ahead, my final year will require £26,000 in tuition.

That number feels overwhelming to even write, but I’m trying to take this step by step, and right now, the most urgent goal is to clear the remaining balance for this year so I can stay enrolled and stable.

I have about a year and a half left until I complete my degree.

I’ve worked so hard to get here, and the idea of losing everything because of circumstances I couldn’t control is something I’m still trying to process.

More than anything, I want to finish my degree so I can build a future where I can support my mum and siblings. I want to turn this struggle into something meaningful, something that allows me to give back, not just to my family, but to the work I care about in conservation.

If you’ve read this far, thank you.

If you’re able to donate, share, or support in any way, it genuinely makes a difference. Even the smallest contribution helps me stay in university, stay housed, and keep moving forward.

And if you’ve already supported me, please know that I carry that with me every single day. I am deeply grateful.

With love,

Lukene