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Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Building a world where anyone can go to college.

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Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Vittana: Help Support Laura's Fellowship in Ghana!

Building a world where anyone can go to college.

Building a world where anyone can go to college.

Building a world where anyone can go to college.

Building a world where anyone can go to college.

Laura Manley
Laura Manley
Laura Manley
Laura Manley
1 Campaign |
Accra, Ghana
$300 USD 2 backers
12% of $2,500 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

My Story
Over the past 10 years, I've witnessed unparalleled success when people are given the tools to help themselves. Whether directing a disabilities non-profit, working with local school districts, or advising a Tibetan Social Work Organization I have been consistently amazed by the power of education to change lives. In January, I'll be headed off to West Africa until June to help expand access to education through microfinance. I'll have the privilege of working with Vittana's Field Partner, Opportunity International Loans & Savings (OISL) in Accra, Ghana's capitol. I will be responsible for assisting in the capacity building and evaluation of Vittana's new student lending product. After my time in Ghana, I plan to pursue a Masters in Public Administration specializing in international non-profit management. 

What is Vittana?

Vittana's mission is to empower young people around the world with the education and training they need to build a life of opportunity. For young people in poverty, every year of education after high school exponentially increases their earning power and chance to transform their lives. Yet millions can't afford this education. Through Vittana, anyone with $25 can fund a micro-loan that helps a young man or woman become a teacher, nurse, welder, or hundreds of other professions that break the cycle of poverty once and for all. How Does It Work?


The Impact

Vittana works in 17 countries (with a growing list), has a 98% repayment rate, and on average can triple someone's income that is, take someone living on $3 per day to $9 per day. Vittana's strategy is to prove that young people are bankable and, like Grameen Bank forty years ago, create something much bigger than the organization itself. The goal is to revolutionize what global education means by catalyzing a marketplace for student micro-loans. Impact in Indonesia


Role of a Vittana Fellow

Vittana Fellows work full time on-the-ground with microfinance institution (MFI) partners in developing countries. Fellows are tasked with helping create, support, and evaluate student lending programs abroad - Vittana's eyes and ears in the field. Fellows gain experience managing the launch or scaling of a student lending product at a highly innovative MFI. Additionally, fellows develop a deep understanding of the inner workings, challenges, and opportunities of working in microfinance abroad.


Where do you come in?

The Vittana Fellows Program is an unpaid, volunteer position as Vittana expects its fellows to support their entire journey. A rough budget estimate for my fellowship is below:

Medical (Immunizations/Malaria Pills)       $400

Visa (Ghana Visa + Processing Fees)     $140

Airfare (NYC-ACCRA)                               $1,400

Transportation (Field Visits)                    $500

Accommodation ($350/month)                  $1,750

Food ($300/month)                                  $1500

Internet & Phone ($100/month)               $500

Misc (Mosquito Nets, Translator, etc.)     $375

TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET                  $6,165

These are my minimum expenditures, but I'm sure incidental costs will rack up along the way. If my work interests you, please consider sponsoring my Vittana fellowship. My personal savings will go towards funding most of this trip, but your support is crucial to my success! Please see the perks section for donations!

Other ways you can help

Tell your friends! I would be incredibly grateful if you forwarded this link to your family, friends, co-workers, or anyone with a soft spot for education. With one click, you can help connect me with more donors than I could ever reach on my own. Thank you for your support!!

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Choose your Perk

Newsletter

$25 USD
Email updates, pictures, and more from my travels.
0 claimed

Postcards

$50 USD
Handwritten notes from Ghana.
1 claimed

Photos

$100 USD
High quality photographs of my best shots from West Africa.
0 claimed

Postcards + Photos + Souvenir

$250 USD
All of the above & a souvenir from West Africa.
1 claimed

Personal Gift + Video

$500 USD
Your generosity is out of this world! Let me know what you want and I'll bring back a personal souvenir from West Africa. I'll also put together a video showing the impact your gift has made.
0 claimed
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