<p>After sending in my application, I received an offer of admission, and academic and leadership scholarships from Ithaca College in New York. These awards amount to 75 % of the total cost of fees and tuition at Ithaca College. The scholarship allows me entry into the Exploratory Program in the School of Humanities and Sciences for undergraduate studying in September 2006. </p>
<p>The only hindrance is the finance. The economic situation in Zimbabwe makes procuring foreign currency extremely difficult. The cost is a heavy burden upon my parents who have five children. My parents are self- employed and run their own small businesses.</p>
<p>After carefully reviewing our circumstances it became evident that bridging the gap of $10105 plus the airfare to the U.S. would be extremely difficult.</p>
<p>· The official bank rate is $1USD = $100 000ZWD however almost all businesses function on the parallel market which is approximately $1USD =$300 000 due to a countrywide shortage of forex.
· Inflation is at 1300% and interest on bank loans is as much as 800%.
· My 3 siblings school fees now total approximately 600 million Zimbabwean dollars. The fees are paid per trimester and due to the inflation, increase all the time.
· My parents owe $10000USD in outstanding university fees for my eldest sister.
· The dramatic devaluation of Zimbabwean currency has set the weekly food basket at an average of $50 000 000.
· Airlines are not accepting Zimbabwean currency (British Airways for example: approx $1800USD 1 way). The travel agencies that do quote charges over double the British Airways quotation for a one-way ticket.
· Waitig lists for loans in Zimbabwean Banks go back to November. We may only be able to get one next year and this will not allow me to secure a student visa for August 2006 entry. Due to the inflation, one always loses money. If we did take out a loan in time to the value of, let's say $2000 dollars; within two weeks that money would be about $1500 US dollars due to devaluation.</p>
<p>I have written to organizations but have heard nothing, I am not eligible for any more aid from Ithaca. I have sent messages to Oprah. I am sending appeals to newspapers in the hope that they will print my appeal, but I am still waiting for something to happen. I am also running out of time to get my student visa</p>
<p>I have an overriding passion for media, writing, communications and art, and I would like to forge a career centred upon these disciplines. I will succeed. I would just like to ask anyone who has any suggestions or anyone who can help me to please e-mail me. Thank you so much for your time.</p>