"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support I received through the scholarship program. As a student with limited financial means, it was often a challenge for me to cover all my expenses, however, thanks to your generosity, I was able to pursue my educational dreams without worrying about these additional burdens. The impact of your contribution went beyond just financial assistance; it empowered me to aim higher and strive for excellence. I genuinely hope that your support continues to uplift and inspire other students, just as it did for me. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in the lives of many aspiring individuals, and it is through your kindness that dreams are transformed into reality." 2022-2023 Stipend Program Recipient
Hello everyone,
We are so grateful for your continued support as we wrap up our second academic year. Thanks to your generous support and enthusiasm, we were able to grow our programs exponentially, supporting 55 students. We've been hustling behind the scenes, keeping in close touch with our community and being sensitive to their needs as Russia has stayed in the global news.
We've faced many challenges and continued to persevere, but the path isn't getting any easier. We've parted with amazing partners who needed to distance themselves from us for their own safety, as well as faced procedural barriers during procedural transactions with financial institutions. But don't worry, we haven't let that stop us from pursuing our mission!
Thanks to the generous contributions we've received and the hard work of our dedicated team, we've exceeded our expectations for the impact of our work.
More and more, teachers are volunteering to provide discounts for students in need.
More and more, community members are raising their hands to volunteer with our JAZZ programs.
More and more, students are finding themselves with opportunities they couldn't even imagine.
The Story of Vera
From the very beginning, Vera showed a lot of potential and dedication. Her teachers and community recognized her kindness and dedication. A chemistry teacher wrote, “Vera is extremely responsible, always trying her best”. Vera took advantage of our Tutoring Program - she never missed a lesson, always stayed late, and her hard work paid off. Despite it being one of the hardest exams to pass, Vera score a near perfect 91 of 100, reaching the top tier of students across the country.
After a successful year with us in the Tutoring Project, Vera was admitted to the Krasnoyarsk State Medical University located in one of the largest Siberian cities, Krasnoyarsk.
In 2022, Vera’s father unexpectedly died.
Life in Siberia was rough, but when they were together, they could rely on one another. His passing left the family without a breadwinner, so Vera’s Mom found a job. Earning just 12,500 rubles ($213) a month, half of the minimum living wage, the family found a way to survive.
When Vera was admitted to university, it was a blessing and a curse. Fortunately, she was eligible for a full tuition scholarship to be a medical student, but her family was still responsible for housing and her living expenses. For a long time, Vera struggled with the decision of whether to go to University at all, or stay home, get a job, and help support her family.
Thanks to your generous support and contribution, GEN was able to accept Vera to our Monthly Stipend program. 4,000 rubles ($66) a month helped her pay for transportation, living expenses, and school supplies. This financial support was for Vera, enabling her to focus on her studies, knowing her academics was not a burden to her family.
Looking ahead, we're more determined than ever to keep up the good work and reach even more students in need. We know the challenges are still there, but we're ready to find creative solutions and explore new avenues for resources. Our goal remains the same: to empower every student with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in life.
In the coming months, we will remain focused on continuing to receive and act on feedback from our communities in Russia, adjusting our programs and projects to empower and amplify the work of community members. Throughout this process, we will continue to rely on every one of you who makes it possible. Your support has been the bedrock of our work, and it continues to inspire us to push forward, no matter the challenges we face.
Sincerely,
Katerina Arzhayev