My name is Ben and I am a college student trying to raise some funds on behalf of a friend in Kenya looking to attend a visiting student program at Canada's McMaster University. Kenya isn't supported on GoFundMe so Tom has reached out to me to help raise funds for his travel and lodging so he can attend the program he has been accepted in to! I spent 6 weeks studying abroad with Tom in Kenya and it would mean a ton if we could get him to Canada to keep pursuing his academic and professional interests in biology and research. I've attached his plans and bio below!

Hi, my name is Tom, and I am a Kenyan student at Kenyatta University, where I am pursuing a degree in wildlife and ecological research. I have been awarded a prestigious opportunity to attend a 6-month training program as a visiting student at McMaster University in Canada starting this January. This opportunity is a major milestone in my academic and professional journey, and I am deeply honored to have been selected.

As part of the program, I will work on a molecular genetics project to identify sex-determining genes in African clawed frogs. Through this work, I will gain advanced skills in molecular biology, including DNA extraction, PCR primer design, gene sequencing, and gel electrophoresis. I will also build my scientific communication experience by presenting research in lab meetings and contributing to a peer-reviewed publication.

The knowledge and skills from this training will significantly strengthen my capacity to support conservation, research, and scientific collaboration both in Kenya and internationally. Being accepted into this program is a dream come true, one that will open doors for my career and expand the impact of my work at home.

To make this journey possible, I am seeking support to cover the upfront costs of my round-trip airfare and one month of accommodation, which I must secure before traveling and before the scholarship is issued.

Here is the estimated budget:

•⁠ ⁠Return airfare (Nairobi → Canada → Nairobi): $2,100

•⁠ ⁠One month of accommodation near McMaster University: $900

•⁠ ⁠Local transit and basic essentials during the first month: $300

Total estimated cost: $3,300

Any contribution, small or large, will help me begin this life-changing program.

I will keep everyone updated throughout the journey so you can follow the progress and impact of your support.

Thank you sincerely for helping me take this important step toward my future.