The gift of education; knowledge is power

Vidya Bhat is organizing this fundraiser.

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I am seeking support and assistance for a former student, Chloe, who is like a magnificent rose with the strength and persistence to grow out of concrete. Chloe has endured much adversity in her young life, including relocating among different continents, cities, and towns; transferring between several schools; dealing with a tragic loss of a parent and grandparent; and coping with challenges to her well-being due to these events and changes. Most recently, circumstances beyond her control will prevent her from completing her high school education. She has the opportunity to enroll in Laurel Springs School, an online accredited private school, but lacks the funds to attend. If we can raise the tuition needed, this bright young woman will receive the gift of education and achieve her high school diploma in June 2023, thanks to all who support her and recognize that knowledge is power.

I asked Chloe about her aspirations beyond high school, and this is what she shared:

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, regardless of who they are, and I’ve always known that’s what I wanted to do with my life. But I couldn’t find a means of helping people that made me feel like I was doing enough. Then, I realized that I don’t just want to help people, I want to help the most vulnerable people…those who are often overlooked and not given the proper attention they need. As a young girl, I would accompany my mother whenever and wherever she was doing her charity work – providing meals for orphaned children, visiting babies and toddlers incarcerated with their mothers in Malawi’s prisons or providing assistance to young girls who were victims of sexual abuse. I would observe these children and the many other children that I encountered and was gravely concerned about their health and well-being. I come from Malawi, which is one of the poorest countries in the world with a highly challenged healthcare and medical responsive system. So, I decided that the best choice for me is to become a pediatrician. I know firsthand what it’s like to be a child and not be given the proper care and attention that I needed from healthcare professionals who should have had my best interests at heart. I don’t want any other child to feel that way. If I could improve the lives of even a few children, it would mean everything to me.

I had the privilege of living in the United States through my stepfather and benefited from the excellent education system. Unfortunately, my stepfather passed away and with the change in circumstances, I was only able to complete up to 11th grade in the United States. The opportunity to join Laurel Springs School will allow me to complete 12th grade and attain my US High School Diploma that will unlock opportunities for me to attend colleges where I can achieve my dream of becoming a pediatrician. My hope is to provide my services to Malawi’s most deprived communities and bring good health care to the children in those communities.”

I can personally attest to the depth of Chloe’s intellect, integrity, and passion for learning. Please help this extraordinary young person achieve her goals in pursuing her education and future career in medicine. Thank you for your consideration, generosity, and support.

Chloe, at age 8 at Maula Prison in Lilongwe, Malawi on Christmas Eve visiting toddlers, Madalitso and Gift, incarcerated with their mothers. Chloe wanted to bring the toddlers some Christmas cheer.