Hello everyone! My name is Auguste and I am raising 10 000 euro to cover university fees: 

I received an offer to study at the London School of Economics which is the second-best university in the world in the social sciences. I managed to pass a strict selection system and was accepted to my dream program Master of Science in Inequalities and Social Science. I chose to study a Master‘s program that would enrich my enthusiasm with proper tools, knowledge and competence to turn my calling into a focused effort to reduce social exclusion. However, all of my efforts and ambitions are curtailed by a simple criterion that is insurmountable to myself alone - finance.

But first... why Inequalities?

The current society-organizing paradigm - neoliberalism - states that individuals can achieve anything and everything if they work hard enough. Such are the rules we are taught from a young age - put your head down, work hard and get the reward.

However, the truth is that some people face structural challenges that make the same opportunities less accessible to them than to others. Researchers point out that neoliberalism places "undeserving responsibility on an individual for problems that are primarily caused by external factors" and suggests that complex social problems (i. e. social exclusion) have their fundamentals in personal choice and traits (such as lack of motivation and creativity) instead of institutional or structural factors. Despite facts and warnings by some, neoliberalism sees that the solution for personal advancement and social problems lies in the sphere of individual initiatives. Paradoxically, researchers suggest that there is a 'lack of realistic opportunities for advancement' for poorer individuals under the neoliberal system.

I believe researching this paradox is a gateway for reducing social exclusion!

My ambition

My ambition is to explore alternative models of social mobility that would 1) enable one to fulfil their potential but also 2) take into account other factors in effect (such as social status, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation and others). And as a starting point for this, I see interdisciplinary youth work. To be more precise, I see great untapped potential in exploring the junction between:

social work and integration;
self-development and personal development;
the principles of social justice, human rights and intersectionality.

It is this area that I want to dedicate my master's degree to and gain practically applicable knowledge. In a case of success, the research results could become the basis for programs and work models, could be included in youth work standards and change the paradigm in terms of how social exclusion and poverty are addressed in Lithuania.

First steps towards this:

Research and write a Master's thesis on alternative models of social mobility;

Use the results of the research to develop an interdisciplinary youth work method;

Apply the method in the pilot version at a youth camp;

Correct the method and implement it as a broader program at VA Caritas “Alternative Learning Center for Youth”, “Mother and Child Home”, Family Support Center and Children’s Day Centers.

Broaden the scope of the program!

Why trust me?

Here is a quick recap of my academic and professional achievements that makes me a suitable candidate for this mission. The highlights of my career so far include graduating from Vilnius University with honours cum laude; Representing Lithuania as the only Lithuanian participant in such prestigious sustainable development programs as Merit360 and Unleash; Interning at the Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations in New York and covering General Assembly debate in 2019; Organizing Merit360 program at the House of Lords in London in 2018; Organizing the first International Students Forum at European Youth Parliament in Vilnius; Contributing as a Research Assistant to a Lithuanian Diversity Charter study about the effectiveness of foreigners' employment strategies in Lithuania; Representing refugee interests, getting involved in the decision making process and promoting ethical communication at Caritas foreigners integration program as a Head of Advocacy and Communications; Finally, for the last five years I have consistently volunteered at Antakalnis Open Youth Center and Center of Education and Culture "Youth for Children", at times leading a team of ten and preparing development programs for more than 100 children, my experience touched upon cooperative and voluntary youth work, youth development models and practical knowledge of informal education.

How much I need?

Due to Brexit, the cost of studying for students from the European Union has almost doubled, so the university tuition will cost me £ 23,000. Another £ 10,000 will be needed to rent a room in London for a year and an additional £ 7,000 are needed to cover my everyday expenses.

A part of the sum I managed to save up on my own, however, as a social worker at a non-profit charity organization, I can not cover the full sum on my own. Therefore I am reaching out to all of you to ask for your help. Please, help me reach my fundraising goal for covering university fees and in return, I promise to work my ass off for a cause I believe in wholeheartedly!