Economic Relief for Mozambican Students

My name is Jonathan, and I hope you and your loved ones have been safe and healthy. I recently lived in Mozambique, Africa, serving in the Peace Corps. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were evacuated for precautionary and safety reasons. 

While I am no longer present in my community in Mozambique, I have constantly communicated with former students and my host family. The pandemic has made their life difficult. Unlike here in the United States, Mozambicans do not have the luxury of unemployment benefits and government assistance to support them.

One of my friends, Elvis, is a university student who reached out to me for financial assistance. With schools in Mozambique closed indefinitely, his classes have quasi-transitioned online, which is uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the high cost of internet in Mozambique makes it nearly impossible to sustain internet affordably. The price of the internet is high because its infrastructure is unfortunately lacking. As a result, he is asking for help to continue his studies.

France, a former student, calls me every weekend so he can practice his English and chat afterward. From his anecdotal accounts, his circumstances are untoward. Before the pandemic, he would generate income by accepting odd jobs. As a result of the pandemic, he cannot make the extra money needed to sustain himself with adequate food and basic necessities. He also requires financial support. 

Examples like these are why I am reaching out. I humbly request donations to my GoFundMe page. These funds will provide economic relief for Mozambican students and their families. I understand this is not the greatest of economic times, so if you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. I will match up to $100 for every dollar donated. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please stay safe.

Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/EconomicalAlleviationforMozambiqueStudents

Update: The GoFundMe was a success. We managed to raise $545 which will be split and sent to Elvis, France, and seven other students Elvis managed to send me a video showing his appreciation to share.