My name is Gifty Acquah, and in January 2026, I am scheduled to begin a PhD program in Canada.

This is a milestone I never imagined would be possible.

I am the first person in both my mother’s and father’s families to reach PhD level. I come from a humble background in Ghana. I am proudly the daughter of a street food seller, whose husband died in Feb 2003 and left her with 5 children to take care of alone. Growing up, my mother worked tirelessly just to provide daily meals. There were times she could not afford extra classes fees in a government school, and as a child, many believed I would not even make it to senior high school.

Yet here I am, accepted into a PhD program.

Why I Am Asking for Help?

Although I have secured admission and scholarship support, I am facing serious financial difficulty at this critical stage.

Due to UK visa challenges, I have not been able to work since 29 January 2024. In the four years I have lived in the UK, I have only been able to work for about one year in total. This has made it impossible for me to save enough to cover the essential costs required to relocate and begin my studies.

These challenges are not due to lack of effort or planning, they are the result of immigration constraints beyond my control.

My PhD start date is 12 January 2026, and while I am academically ready, I am financially struggling to meet the basic requirements to begin.

What the Funds Will Be Used For (Transparent Budget)?

Your support will go strictly toward essential, one-time costs needed to start my PhD:

Expense Estimated Cost

✈️ Flight from the UK to Canada £1,498

Initial accommodation & deposit £1,400

Laptop for PhD research £1,100

Tablet for academic reading £400

Settling-in essentials (transport, winter items, internet) £400

Total Goal £4,798

Why This Support Matters?

This is not just about me.

It is about showing that a child from a low-income background in Ghana — a street food seller’s daughter can rise to the highest levels of education with resilience, faith, and community support.

This PhD is a step toward my long-term goal of giving back through education, research, and mentorship, particularly to young women and underrepresented communities who are told their dreams are “too big.”

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is also a powerful way to support me.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in my journey.

With gratitude,

Gifty Acquah