Blind Zimbabwean Needs Help To Further Studies In Austria

Help a Blind Zimbabwean Pursue Masters Studies in Austria

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Hi, my name is Tina Shanduka, and I'm reaching out with deep gratitude and hope.

I'm a blind disability right's advocate and aspiring public policy specialist from Zimbabwe, Africa. Recently, I was awarded an Erasmus scholarship to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the Central European University in Vienna. This is a dream come true—an opportunity to deepen my advocacy work and contribute to more inclusive and equitable policy-making on a global level.

Currently, I’m facing an urgent obstacle. While I’ve been granted Erasmus funding, I can’t access it until I arrive in Austria. To enter the country, I need to secure housing—an upfront cost I cannot cover on my own.

CEU doesn’t provide student accommodation, but with their help, I’ve found a nearby housing provider with accessible options. The challenge is that I need to pay a deposit, first month’s rent, and admin fees—a total of about $2,050—within 7 days. Without this, I can’t finalize my visa and begin my studies in time.

This situation has already been financially and physically demanding. Because the Austrian Embassy isn’t available in Zimbabwe, I’ve had to travel to South Africa (twice) to apply for, and collect, my student visa—with the support of a personal assistant, whose expenses I also bear. None of this critical mobility support is covered by the Erasmus grant.

That’s why I’m turning to you. Your contribution will directly help secure accessible housing and make it possible for me to take up this incredible opportunity. Every donation—big or small—gets me one step closer to starting this next chapter and continuing my work in disability justice.

With all my heart, thank you for believing in me.

Warmly,

Tina