A dream to help one another
“My dream for the One Another Fund is to encourage TWU students and our greater community to consider helping one another to make a TWU education a reality for students from Africa and Cambodia.” Moved by compassion and inspired by the eminence of stories told, Kelly Lamb, a fourth year Trinity Western University student, has decided to give TWU students the pleasure to sow into the lives of those unable to fund their education.
Photo credit: Tim Andries
“This unique fund is different than the typical World Vision sponsorships we are all familiar with,” Lamb explains; “this project is a partnership, you study amongst those funded, they are your friends and classmates which creates an enriching learning experience for both you and them.”
Lamb was deeply moved by the mandate we have to help other people and “when we come to the realization that it doesn’t take much if we are all willing to come together and give, this will make a huge impact in the lives of our international students.” Presenting a valid question, Lamb asserts: “What if current TWU students gave $25 a month into a fund for Cambodian and African students to afford to come to TWU?” She argues that it is possible to give while you are a student. In simpler terms, $25 is equivalent to a “quarter of your monthly phone bill, a dinner out, your coffee fund, or a very small percentage of your student loan.”
Lamb faces the dilemma that any passionate advocate does, “Do we have to wait until we are alumni to give back? Could students budget for this?” If a mere 300 students got on board, that means every month 7,500 dollars would be coming in which would cover three students for the year.
These students who are funded to study at TWU are passionate about their education, and the joy that they bring to this community is beyond words. Currently, there are seven from the developing world students studying at TWU; three from Kenya, two are from Cambodia, one from Zambia, and one from Ethiopia.
“As much as it is about allowing them the opportunity to study, we get to learn to give.” The One Another Fund is possible, and we know that after reading the article, “Campus Miracle” in the last issue of Mars’ Hill. People have the capacity to give; it is in us all.
The One another Fund serves as a vessel between the Logos scholarship, the African Student Assistance Fund, and students; the funds are directed to these organizations, which are then distributed to those in need. You can find testimonies of all prospective students who may be coming at impact.twu.ca/project. If you would like to invest in this vision you can find the simple steps on the One Another Fund page.
Lamb suggests that if you are unable to contribute financially, you can join in praying for TWU and specifically for these students. It is evident that deeply etched in the fiber of our religious tradition is the conviction to help those in need. The One Another Fund reminds us that we must do our part, however small or large, to bridge the social and economic abyss between those that have and those that do not have, all around the world.
Rachel Damien
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