Hi I’m Iranga Tcheko,

I’ve been accepted into a Masters program at Columbia University studying International and World History.

As has become a depressing norm with ever decreasing funding to higher education, my initial excitement was short lived when I realised that, as things stand, I will be priced out of going.

I have gotten to where I am with the support and mentorship of my communities. I know people can’t get anywhere alone. I have been awarded a 50% tuition fee waiver by Columbia, and need your support to raise the remaining £45, 000 in SIX WEEKS (inclusive of crowdfunding fees) or risk losing my place.

Raised amidst the war that devasted Congo and growing up in Newham, East London, I know too well that hard work, talent and aptitude are never enough. I agonised over the idea of crowdfunding, wondering how I could sum up the very real barriers I’ve faced throughout life in a way that didn’t repackage my trauma for consumption. However, too often people like me are forced to accept these injustices as “just the way life is”.

Now, a helping hand from you will be the difference between thriving and failing.

Being working class is expensive. Our socio-economic backgrounds can cost us lifechanging opportunities, time and time again we miss out.

This time, I don’t want to miss out. With your support I won’t have to. You can't eat potential until it’s realised. With your help my potential can be nurtured and used to empower me and countless others.

I have overcome a lot to get to where I am today, necessity has pushed me to make a lot out of very little.

I studied History and Politics at Warwick University, help found Warwick Africa Summit debated in the House of Lords and mentored children in Nepal, Kenya and the UK. I use every opportunity I get to pour into and support others.

Although I have achieved a lot, I know that there is so much more impact I will be able to make by taking my education to the highest level.

With your help I can get to Columbia University where I will focus on histories that have been regulated to the margins of academia and how digital media can be a positive force in understanding people, fighting inequalities and changing the status quo in order to confront the local and global issues that affect underprivileged communities.

Your helping hand will make a world of difference.