Refugee scholar admitted at University of Padova lacking funds

I am Lukuru Daud Kavi, aged 27, a refugee in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. I fled here from Sudan in 2012. Now I live here with my brother, uncle and other relatives.

The circumstances in Kakuma are very difficult: it is very hot and there is a lack of water and other resources. It is also very difficult to access education, especially higher education. Despite the difficult circumstances, I have been able to finish my secondary education (Kenyan Certificate for Secondary Education) here with good grades. After secondary school I have also attended short courses in psychology, counseling and in education. Through successfully completing these courses, I have been able to do part-time work for aid organisations in psychosocial support and counselling. I have assisted my fellow refugees who are suffering trauma and loss and need to build their low self esteem to move forward in their lives. Being able to help others has impacted me positively. My dream now would be to complete a degree in psychology in order to be able to better help my fellow refugees.

This year, I applied for Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science at University of Padova in Italy. To my great joy, the university has accepted my application! I now have the opportunity to start the degree in September 2019. I think this could be the turning point of my life and help my community.

However, I am lacking funds to reach Italy due to travel and visa costs. For the study visa requirements I need to show the authorities that I have 5824,91 euros to sustain myself in Italy for a year. Later, I will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, such as the University of Padova's Regione Veneto Scholarship, which opens in July for applications. However, I need to obtain a visa and reach Italy already before I can receive a decision about a scholarship. Because of this, I am trying to raise the amount needed for the visa for the first year of studies. With this amount, I could obtain the visa, and also afford all the other costs related to reaching Italy and settling in Padova before I hopefully get a scholarship or a part-time job to support the full duration of my studies.

I hope that the world (you) can see this and support me with getting to Italy. Any small donation will be very appreciated!

Please also see these two videos where I tell more about my situation and life in Kakuma: