Welcome to my crowdfunding!

"Science has no homeland, because knowledge is the heritage of humanity, the torch that lights up the world" Louis Pasteur

[Update at the end of the crowdfunding

** Dear all,**

First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, for your contribution, your solidarity and your moral support which touched me. I am happy and proud to announce that we have reached our goal of 11,000 euros! A thousand thanks to all of you!

Through this crowdfunding, I have clearly seen that solidarity in France is not an empty word but a reality proven in action. I can now testify with confidence that the French culture values knowledge and work. You gave me the courage to face my doubts and gave me hope when I needed it most. And for that, I thank you deeply once again.

I am aware of the responsibilities you have given me through your support, I wish to prove to you that I am worthy of the trust you have placed in me.

I will keep you regularly informed of the progress of my academic year.

Concerning the preparations for my arrival in Germany, I am currently applying for my student visa. I will let you know the outcome of this application as soon as I know it.

Thank you once again for your participation. See you soon!

Besufekad Wolde

Who am I?

Born in July 1998 and raised in Ethiopia, I am the first member of my family to have attended and graduated from a university. My academic records, adaptability and tenacity have equipped me with the ability to join and get a full scholarship from the competitive bachelor’s program of the private Ashoka University in New Delhi (https://www.ashoka.edu.in/).

I achieved an undergraduate degree with a major in biology and a minor in environmental studies in May 2020.

After a gap year in 2021 due to the Covid, I completed, in May 2022, with magna cum laude distinction, a capstone thesis project in ecology (Intraspecific functional trait variation in response to drought).

With those solid achievements, I today aspire to pursue an academic career in applied research in the field of evolutionary ecology and conservation biology.

On a more personal level, I enjoy debates nourished by reading (especially philosophy), by listening to podcasts and by meetings through my studies and travels. This year, with a friend of mine, we created and hosted a podcast focused on topics related to science, philosophy, and religion, and targeting an English- and Amharic-speaking audience. The podcast is currently in the recording and editing phase and will be launched in a few months.

I love, when I am back in my family, cooking with my mom and taking care of our chicken farm that I created with my dad during the lockdown. My artistic tastes are towards jazz (Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke), minimalist music (Erik Satie and Philip Glass), impressionist and post-impressionist art. In my spare time, I play basketball and badminton with friends.

During several stays in France, I learned to appreciate the architecture and rich history of Europe. Visits to Mont Saint Michel, the Gallery of Evolution, the Natural History Museum, and a concert at the Philharmonie de Paris remain fond memories.

What do I aspire to do?

European Universities I got admitted into

Owing to my studies described above and several research projects and internships in India and Ethiopia, I got admitted, among others, to two recognized master programs in Germany:

-the Master in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Systematics of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich (32nd world rank, https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/lmu-munich), and

-the Master in Sciences, track in Ecology, at the University of Bremen (67th world rank for young universities, https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-bremen).

I am convinced that these programs are the most suitable opportunities that would prepare me best for my professional future.

What is the final step to get there?

As you probably know, tuition fees are low in Germany (which makes it an ideal place for me to study), but the German government requires all students outside the European Union to deposit about 11,000 euros in a blocked account in Germany. It is, in a way, a deposit deposited.

As soon as I get my residency permit in Germany, I intend to apply for all public and private scholarships issued on social criteria, in addition to student jobs.

Without waiting for my residency permit, I applied for several scholarships already available without residency permit. Still, the results will not be known until the end of October at the earliest, while the start of classes is scheduled for October 4.

I estimate the amount necessary for the preparation of my departure to Germany, the costs of moving and settlement as well as for the first weeks there at 4,000 euros (in addition to the amount requested by the German Government).

In a nutshell, I need to fundraise financial resources to complete my visa application process at the German Embassy and sustain myself until I get scholarships and find a student part time job.

How can you help me to cross this last step?

First of all, any form of contribution will be welcomed! Although this crowdfunding initiative is mainly aimed at acquiring the financial capacity to pursue my studies in Germany, any form of support whether through the sharing of information or experiences is valuable.

Then, this crowdfunding aims to collect 11,000 euros by August 14th to be able to transfer it to the blocked bank account in Germany. Any amount you would like to help me raise will be fully reimbursed at the end of my studies.

In short, as you have understood, my initiative is not intended to ask you to finance my daily life but to participate in the constitution of this indispensable guarantee. It is a kind of short-term loan.

Similarly, if this crowdfunding does not reach a sum allowing me to fulfill my goals, any amount would be immediately returned to you.

In addition, this is not a donation but a loan, which will be the subject of an acknowledgement of debt.

In the meantime, you will have a private tour guide who can show you around Munich or Bremen during your stay in Germany and who will keep you regularly updated with photos and videos.

Links to get to know me better and assure you of my seriousness and motivation

You can find further information at the below links:

-Link to my already published work: Genetic diversity in Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus ) collections and progeny plants: Potential duplicates and unique genotypes (cgiar.org).

-Link to a folder with my resume, some recommendations and other professional documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xqpinRdaJo8jusz_EMTwecQEj_j5ojVx?usp=sharing.

Of course, you can also always contact me at: besufekad.wolde@alumni.ashoka.edu.in or on Whatsapp at + 33 6 99 04 10 43.

And as they say in France, "small streams make big rivers”! I am counting on you, as you can count on me! And above all, thank you all!

Besufekad Wolde

PS: If you wish to contribute via bank transfer, you can contact me.