The Supporting Success Scholarship Fund was begun by IRFF in the summer of 2006, in the poverty stricken Mackenzie Community of Ndola, Zambia.  Its mission is to provide the opportunity of education to gifted students from impoverished families who cannot afford the expense of their education in developing countries where public primary school is not free or guaranteed.  Without the sponsorship of Supporting Success, these students would otherwise be unable to pursue their education. 

Supporting Success began by providing scholarships to students who were finishing the 4th grade at the Mackenzie Community School, which is run by IRFF and does not charge tuition.  These students would have been unable to continue their education at the local public school because their families could not afford the school fees.  IRFF, therefore, provided them with funding to cover their tuition and all educational expenses – school uniforms, shoes, books and school supplies – for one year.

Since that time, Supporting Success has expanded in Zambia and has been initiated in Bangladesh as well.  Supporting Success now sponsors 25 students in Zambia – including many of the students from the original class – and 20 students in Bangladesh.  Students are chosen based on their academic achievement, their demonstrated commitment to their education, and the inability of their family to cover the expenses of public school. 

This coming December, Supporting Success will sponsor its third class in Bangladesh for a total of 30 students.  The government in Zambia, meanwhile, has recently decided that they will provide a free education to all students through the seventh grade.  This means that almost all of our Supporting Success students will have their education paid for this coming school year.  We will continue to support those students who are entering grade 8, however, and will continue to raise funds to support the students we have provided with scholarships in the past when they reach the 8th grade. 

Please consider donating to Supporting Success.  Just $150 will cover all the expenses of one year of education for a student who desperately needs the opportunity that an education will provide.  This includes school fees at a local public school, school uniform, shoes, books and all necessary school supplies.  Through your donation, you will be contributing to the life of a child in a very tangible and powerful way.  By giving them a chance at an education, you are giving them a chance at a successful future.
To see profiles of some of the students receiving sponsorships from Supporting Success, click here (note to Siraj: link this to profiles of students sent to you). 

Visit http://www.globalgiving.com/pr/2400/proj2360a.html to donate to Supporting Success now at GlobalGiving and to help IRFF reach its goal in the Give More Get More Challenge.