Support Gabriel's Journey to UWC Mahindra

My name is Gabriel Musonda, a 17-year-old male from Zambia and a UWC (United World College) School incoming student. I'm passionate about acting, filmmaking, and tech innovations. Ever since I can remember, I have always loved creating things and being in an environment that is both welcoming and filled with laughter. I recently received an offer to study at one of the UWC schools (UWC Mahindra) located in India: a rare opportunity.

Growing up in a small town in Zambia, getting an education is the only escape. My community knows poverty, unemployment, crime, and sadly, health problems, both mental and physical, like the back of their hands. With fewer job opportunities, lack of leisure, and no one to see the potential in my brothers and sisters, the rate of dropouts and uneducated youths is now rising. The saddest part is that my fellow youths are now taking center stage in suicide cases instead of productive change and development.

As a former well-engaged high school student holding various leadership roles, I got to interact with a lot of youths with great potential who could not manifest or express their talents due to family and personal limitations. It hurt me because I knew they had something in them that could make a better world but remained concealed in their hearts, remaining underdeveloped or even withering away.

At this point, I came to realize that a lot of what was happening in my community was the result of no one believing in and seeing a brighter and better future for us, the youths.

MY WORK SO FAR

During high school, my fellow drama club leaders and I decided to create a community under our entertainment club that welcomes everyone to develop their talents, express themselves freely, and open up discussions on mental and personal challenges, all while creating a fun-loving and compassionate community. In this community, we hope to also provide job opportunities and leisure through entertainment and movie productions. We hope to make a better society that is open to youths and anyone.

MY EDUCATIONAL WORK

Being a former Junior Engineer and Technological Scientist club president at my school for two years, with experience in competitions at the national level, and coming from a school whose aspiration was only to have a JETS Club running, I hope to change the narrative and learn new skills. I want to use my chance to study at my new school in India effectively so that I can continue to give back to schools without proper facilities and equipment and help bring great ideas and talents to life. So far, I have only been able to offer my counsel, but I hope to contribute more.

WHY I NEED YOUR HELP

I was privileged enough to receive a partial scholarship to UWC Mahindra in India, a starting point for my growth and development. However, I'm greatly in need of financial assistance to officially kickstart my journey at the school.

To kickstart my journey, I must buy a ticket to India and a laptop, together with a suitcase and a bag.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To best prepare for my travel, an air ticket, a laptop, and other necessary expenses, I need to raise USD $4,500 before 1st June.

Any contributions (no matter the amount) would be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please share this with friends, companies, or anyone who might be able to assist.

Please help me reach this goal. With your support through this opportunity, I'll be able to learn valuable skills that will enable me to help my community and others like it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.