Cari is a leader in the making…

Cari is a 25 year old aspiring political theorist from a humble family background. Her interests in political science and philosophy have led her to become 1 of 2 students from National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) selected for a Concurrent Degree Program (CDP) for Public Policy i.e. doing both Bachelor and Masters programmes at the same time. She is currently aiming to complete her 5th and final academic year in Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), but lacks the necessary funding to cover the tuition fees.

Cari is also a community organiser and a multidisciplinary writer, whose work is informed by the practice of solidarity: “none are free unless none are unfree”. While at NUS, she served as the co-founding Co-President of ‘Students for a Safer NUS’, Singapore’s first and only fully-student-led community organisation which aims to use collective capacities to respond to and eradicate sexual violence on campus; and as Executive Director of QueerNUS, which serves as a student-run LGBTQ+ resource centre for NUS students. Presently, she is the Vice-President (External) of the NUS Graduate Students’ Society, which represents more than 12,000 postgraduate students.

On top of her educational commitments, Cari has accumulated experiences as a community leader, an industry professional in journalism and management, as well as a published writer in various anthologies and journals. She has been nominated for several literary awards, been listed on the CAPT Honour Roll of Academic Year 2018/19 and the FASS Student Leadership Award, and was unanimously selected as ‘Changemaker’ for the Youth Category of the 2020 Gender Equality Impact Awards by United Women Singapore.

…but her capacities are being hindered…

The exact amount that Cari requires for her final year of schooling is $44,160, which she needs to acquire by August. However, she has exhausted every other avenue to obtain financing - loans, scholarships, fee waivers, part time work, etc.

Despite her accomplishments and steady 4.44 CAP, being a PR, Cari is not eligible for many scholarships and subsidies. She has reached out for financial assistance from the school but was declined because she is undertaking the CDP. If she takes a Leave of Absence (LOA) to work and attain the funds, it will affect the duration of her candidature and the repayment periods for her loans.

The accumulated pressure of sourcing for funding, on top of her educational workload, project responsibilities, and external commitments has caused severe psychological and emotional distress on Cari. Hence, this fundraiser was organised not just as a method to finance her further education, but a means for Cari to live a fuller life.

…so help her realise her full potential!

Cari’s financial struggles are not new, and after being offered a place in LKYSPP it also encompassed seeking out appropriate accommodation while she engaged in her studies. Her tireless dedication and resilience should be rewarded with a smooth completion of her university education.

The proofs of her determination and commitment has been displayed time and time again with her various projects and sheer resilience throughout the aforementioned difficulties. But it is still not enough. We ask for your support not just for an amazing leader in the making, but to a sincerely compassionate and highly intelligent human being who can really make a difference in Singapore and the world.

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