Help Mezgebu Get To Yale!

Mezgebu is a 10th grade student from rural Ethiopia. Growing up on the family farm, Mezgebu dreamed of better opportunities for his future. Attending the local school, he saw the lack of resources he and his classmates had access to – it was there he sought out every opportunity to educate himself and to be a positive force in his community. When education volunteers from Peace Corps arrived four years ago, Mezgebu seized the opportunity to work with them. While working with native English speakers to develop his language skills he co-led various clubs in school and assisted Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) with an English Day Camp for students in his home town. In addition to developing his language skills, Mezgebu took leadership positions in other clubs such as the civics and science clubs. Together with PCVs, fellow students, and other community members, Mezgebu has started shaping his future.

Mezgebu dreams of being a doctor in order to increase Ethiopia’s access to modern medical technology. As he looked around for ways to further his education and experience he found the Yale Young Global scholars program for Applied Science and Engineering. This is a three week program (July 9th–22nd) designed for students to study scientific principles and apply them to real world situations. (See more about the program here: YYGS.) After months of writing essays, networking, and pursuing this opportunity, he was finally accepted for the program in April. This is an educational opportunity of a lifetime – traveling across the globe to learn from knowledgeable professors alongside students from many countries. Not only will Mezgebu learn through attending lectures and completing projects, he will have an opportunity to experience American culture. When he returns to Ethiopia, Mezgebu will use the skills and experience gained from this program to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor; dispelling misinformation which leads to medical conditions to going untreated and to providing care in rural areas where it is desperately needed.
  

Now, Mezgebu needs your help to raise funds to cover the cost of the following:

Ethiopian Passport $40
Visa $170
Round trip ticket $1700
Transport to and from Airport $100
Cultural Exchange (going to a museuem, trying new food, visiting a movie theater, etc.) $150
Incidentals/Emergencies $400
Gifts for Friends and Family $250
1-month International Phone Plan $65
Items Required by Yale:
     Laptop Rental $100
     Cell Phone Rental $100
     Bed Sheets $25
     Deposit for Keys $100

These funds, especially for a passport and a visa, are needed by May 5th, 2017 to ensure that he can make it to Yale this summer. Mezgebu thanks you for your support!