Brian Chitambira College Fund

Born into the third world country of Zimbabwe, Africa, Brian Chitambira dared to dream of a very different path for his life. Naturally gifted in the arts, Brian grew up in a place that did not encourage his God given talent, or afford him an opportunity to grow his gift and apply it towards a future career.  


Nevertheless, Brian applied himself completely. He graduated at the top of his class and earned athletic scholarships to further his education.


Brian has always loved the Lord. He knew he wanted to use his artistic gift to help share the gospel with others. At 14-years-old, Brian learned about the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. He felt God pulling him to attend this school. SCAD is well known for excellence in digital communication and animation. Brian knew this college would support his passion for animation, and help him achieve the vision God had placed in his heart. 


Upon high school graduation, Brian’s dream came true! 


He was accepted to SCAD, and his parents were able to raise enough money to send him for his first full year of school in 2018. So Brian packed up two small suitcases and flew halfway around the world to pursue his dream.


In his first year, Brian soared. He achieved a 4.0 GPA and took advantage of every opportunity to immerse himself in the art of animation. He joined clubs and volunteered to help with prestigious projects, events, and job fairs. Brian made a point, even as a freshman, to grow his industry knowledge and build a professional network.  


Then, the unexpected happened. 

 

Back in Zimbabwe, Brian’s dad’s job contract abruptly ended and led him into an earlier retirement than planned. Determined to keep Brian at SCAD, his parents sold nearly all their belongings to pay for Brian’s second year of college. 


Properties, vehicles, and furniture, gone in the name of keeping Brian’s dream alive. They have nothing left to sell.


Needing a moment to refocus, Brian’s parents were given the opportunity to visit their daughter and her family in New Zealand on what was meant to be a quick holiday. Shortly after arriving, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and the country shut down. Brian’s parents have not been able to leave the country since March. To date, the airports are still closed, and to make matters worse, their VISAs do not allow them to work or earn money.


Brian’s sister’s family is doing all they can to support their parents’ prolonged stay as well as their own family at this time. Brian’s brother is a farmer in South Africa and makes just enough to get by for his growing family. His other sister recently graduated in Cyprus with a job. She hoped her new income would support herself and Brian’s living expenses. However that job was also lost when Covid hit. Now, unable to pay for rent, food, and basic necessities, circumstances have forced her to return to Zimbabwe where she strives to make another fresh start.


Currently Brian resides with a classmate’s family in Illinois that has agreed to take him in and cover basic expenses while he continues with remote learning at SCAD. Due to his already distinguished skills, Brian has been offered many lucrative job opportunities within his field of study. However, he is unable to take money due to student VISA restrictions. 


Brian is beginning the 2020 semester with no tuition paid and only the hope that somehow this will be achieved, far outside of himself. 


He has only two weeks left to pay his fall tuition in full, or he will not be able to sign up for Winter classes and will be sent back to Zimbabwe.


It is my hope and belief that in a world full of so many very fortunate and blessed people, that we can raise enough money for Brian’s remaining tuition and living expenses, as well as money to pay for a plane ticket for Brian to return to Zimbabwe upon graduation.


We are currently trying to raise $114,000.00 for two years of tuition. Living expenses for the next two years accumulate to around $6,000.00, and a plane ticket back to Zimbabwe may cost up to $2,000.00. We are also hopeful to raise an additional $4,000.00 to cover the fees for the donations.


This makes for a grand total of $126,000.00.  


Should we happen to reach our goal and spill over, it would be God’s amazing grace to restore to Brian’s family what has been lost and to help them rebuild their future.


No one works harder and is more deserving of this than Brian Chitambira! Not only does he deserve to finish his education at SCAD, but the world shouldn’t miss out on the talents and character of this fine young man. Once he accomplishes his immediate goals of graduation and obtains his dream job already in view, Brian will not hesitate to spend his life paying it forward. 


He is the epitome of vision, hard work and determination against all odds. He doesn’t take a moment for granted and is an inspiration to all who know him. Brian is a true role model.  His wisdom and maturity are beyond his years and he is bound to do great things with his life!