Support Rahmatullah's Journey in Global Journalism

Dear friends, supporters, and fellow advocates for education and change through journalism.

My name is Rahmatullah Baghban, and I am a journalist, poet and English instructor from Kabul, Afghanistan. I am reaching out to you today with great excitement and a humble request for your support as I embark on a transformative journey towards higher education and global journalism.

In 2021, I proudly graduated from the Journalism and Communication faculty of Kabul University. Since then, I have dedicated myself to the pursuit of truth, storytelling, and empowering others through the power of the written word. Over the past several years, I have had the honor of working as a journalist, English instructor, and writer, striving to amplify voices, empower peers, and shed light on critical issues within my community.

Recently, I received an admission offer from the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Master's program, specializing in "Journalism, Media, and Globalisation." This incredible opportunity is scheduled to commence in Aarhus, Denmark on the 1st of September 2024. Out of the nearly 500 applications received, I was fortunate enough to secure one of the highly competitive 90 positions available.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that I have also been selected as one of the only four recipients of the coveted Mundus Journalism Consortium Scholarship, which provides a grant of €10,000. This recognition is truly humbling, considering the program received a staggering 471 scholarship applications.

However, despite this generous scholarship, the program and associated costs are not fully funded, leaving me with the challenge of securing additional funding to make this dream a reality.

That is why I am launching this GoFundMe campaign, reaching out to kind-hearted individuals like you who believe in the power of education and the importance of amplifying the silenced voices through global journalism.

I am aiming to raise €10,000 to first) pay the tuition fees for my first semester so that I become able to get a Danish visa and second) fund the travel costs and other Miscellaneous Expenses.

By supporting my campaign, you are not only helping me fulfill my dreams but also investing in the future of journalism. Your contribution will enable me to access world-class education, gain valuable experience, and foster cross-cultural understanding in the field of media and journalism. With your support, I will be equipped with the necessary tools to create impactful stories, shed light on untold narratives, and contribute to positive change in my community and beyond.

Together, we can break down barriers and empower aspiring journalists from underrepresented regions, ensuring their voices are heard on a global platform. Your generosity will make a lasting impact, not only on my life but also on the lives of countless individuals whose stories deserve to be shared.

I humbly request your support in any capacity you can offer. Your donation, no matter the size, will bring me one step closer to achieving my goals and making a significant difference through journalism. Additionally, I kindly ask you to share my campaign with your networks, spreading the word and amplifying the call for support.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for considering joining me on this incredible journey. Together, let's empower Afghan journalism and inspire change through the power of education and storytelling.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rahmatullah Baghban

*****

Note: Some GoFundMe questions answered below;

1. Who I Am and Where I Am From:

I am a proud graduate of the Journalism and Communication faculty of Kabul University, having completed my studies in 2021. Born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of truth, storytelling, and empowering others through the power of the written word. With a strong background in journalism, I have been working as a journalist, English instructor, and writer since 2017.

2. Relationship to the Parties I'm Raising Funds For:

The funds raised through this campaign will directly support me, Rahmatullah Baghban, in covering the costs associated with my participation in the Erasmus Mundus Master's program. As the sole breadwinner of my family, I carry the responsibility of supporting my loved ones while pursuing my dreams.

3. Plan to Send Funds and Intended Recipients:

The funds raised through this campaign will be received by me, Rahmatullah Baghban. But since I live in Afghanistan and the campaign is not supported here, my school classmate Yaser Afzali, who lives in the UK, will receive it via his bank account and will transfer it to me. Then, I will manage and allocate the funds to cover the various expenses associated with my participation in my dream Master's program.

4. How the Funds Will Be Spent:

To provide transparency and accountability, I want to be as specific as possible regarding how the funds will be utilized:

a) Tuition Fees: A significant portion of the funds will be allocated towards covering the tuition fees for the Erasmus Mundus Master's program. This investment in my education will enable me to acquire invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences.

b) Living Expenses: As I will be studying in Aarhus, Denmark, for the first year and Munich, Germany, for the second year, a portion of the funds will be utilized to cover essential living expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and daily necessities.

c) Travel Costs: The funds will also contribute to covering the travel expenses associated with my transition from Kabul to Aarhus and later from Aarhus to Munich. These expenses include airfare, visa fees, and other related costs.

d) Study Materials and Resources: To excel in my studies and make the most of this transformative opportunity, a part of the funds will be allocated to procure necessary study materials, books, digital resources, and other educational tools.

e) Miscellaneous Expenses: A portion of the funds will be set aside to address any unforeseen and miscellaneous expenses that may arise during the course of my studies, ensuring that I can focus on my education without financial burdens.

I am committed to utilizing the funds responsibly and ensuring that every contribution has a meaningful impact on my educational journey.

Best

Baghban