“I currently work two jobs in my local charity sector (in Wales), both of which are very demanding. That coupled with three teenage daughters, one with autism and ….a debilitating medical condition…..when signing up for the course I underestimated the cost of travelling and staying in London. Simply put, without the funding I would not have been able to carry on with the course.”
“I am the sole breadwinner for my family, as my partner is also pursuing their education. Additionally, I have the responsibility of supporting my family in Afghanistan and my father in Pakistan, while also taking care of my family here….. The scholarship has alleviated a significant portion of the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and provide for my loved ones.”
”I was born in Bosnia during the war. My journey from a war-torn country to becoming a Senior Charity Finance Manager has been shaped by determination and resilience. Scholarships have played a crucial role in my academic achievements, enabling me to overcome financial barriers…as I am not funded by my current employer.”
“My career so far has highlighted the rarity of Black African women like me in leadership positions in the UK’s charity sector. I was born and raised in Kenya, arrived in the UK in 2009 as an international student and graduated in 2016 with a First Class degree. Since I was ineligible for financial support, I worked part-time throughout my studies….This scholarship will significantly reduce tuition fees…..(and)…..it will enable me to have full engagement in the student experience.”
When I arrived in the UK in 2021 from Afghanistan, I began volunteering with the Afghan Bristol Community, where I discovered my passion for the third sector. However, I soon realized that I lacked the academic knowledge needed to advance in this field. Determined to grow, I pursued opportunities for further study. I am deeply grateful to the Foundation for their timely support and belief in my potential.
As a teenager I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after experiencing years of trauma, which meant I had to pull out of studying my A-levels. I never went to university or did any further studying since then. This programme and the support from Eastside Primetimes Foundation is such an endorsement to me but also provides recognition of the systemic barriers that care leavers face. It shows that someone as a care leaver with only GCSE qualifications can overcome these barriers and stereotypes and study at this level.