College Funding

Introduction:

My Name is Manzi Joseph, originally from Rwanda – due to genocide, we fled to Malawi in 2003 seeking asylum there, but, unfortunately, we were rejected.  I travelled to Ireland and became an Asylum Seeker in 2015.  I am now living in Tramore, Co. Waterford; I have completed my compulsory education achieving my Leaving Certificate in my country.  I have upgraded my English language to a high degree participating in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in the ETB-Tramore.  I also completed my ECDL.   I currently volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, Tramore.  I also volunteer with Winterval as a Welcome Ambassador. 

I applied and was accepted onto a St. Paul’s Community College PLC - I.T. Level 5 course.  (Sept 2016-May 2017)

On completion of my PLC course, I received distinction in all subjects.  I then applied through CAO 2017 FOR WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, based on my PLC course results, was successful in receiving acceptance on their Level 8 “Internet Of Things” degree course. 

I am now in a Fund Finding situation as I do not have the means to fund my college fees, which amount to €3,819 in each of the four years of my Level 8-degree course.  I am not able to work because I’m not allowed to work and I only earn € 21.60 weekly and am also not able to receive SUSI or any assistance from the Irish state in relation to funding.   My dream has always been to be an IT graduate and being accepted onto this degree course has made my dream come.

Waterford Area Partnership supported me into the Level 5 PLC course in 2016, however, on discussion with WAP, their 2017 support do not extend to degree fees, however, their support will allow me to buy books or to pay for travel, and these expenses are not included in the €3,819 fee. 

I have spoken to St. Vincent de Paul who cannot assist me this year, however, they can assist me with supports towards my second year in 2018.  I have also spoken to NASC – a non-national support organisation, based in Cork.  However, their supports have dwindled from the start of 2017 and they are no longer able to support individuals in 2017.  I will re-apply to both ST. V de Paul and NASC early in 2018.   

I would greatly appreciate if you could consider my application for supports.  Your support would enable me to continue my dream in Ireland.  It would also ensure my years in Ireland as an Asylum Seeker are put to great use.  

I anxiously await your response. 

 

With kind regards,



 

Manzi Joseph

August 2017