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A teacher has realised the dream of many by landing a place at the world famous Harvard University – but, to be able to go, she needs to raise £65,000.
Felicity Burgess, known as Flic, has secured a spot on the International Education Policy course in the United States after passing her exams.
However, to get her visa, she needs to raise £65,000 by 6pm tonight (Monday) to cover the cost of the course, accommodation, food and books.
The 27-year-old, who has spent four years teaching French at Sheppey’s Oasis Academy, said: “My mum is a teaching assistant and my dad fixes cars – they’ve always instilled in me a firm belief in the power of education.
“I love my work teaching on Sheppey – it truly is the best job in the world where you get to make a big difference to the lives of young people. But, at the minute, family income defines how well children do at school.
“The education system provides less to those who need the most, and this has to change.”
“I want to find solutions from around the world that are going to work in the UK,” she added. “This is why I want to study International Education Policy at Harvard.
“While there, I’ll become an expert in how children learn so that I can support curriculum development in the UK.
“It will also help me bring different ideas and innovation into the British education system.”
Flic’s flight to America is booked for next week, but she will be boarding it only if she has raised enough money.
She still needs to raise just over £2,100 by 6pm today.
Flic has managed to raise £8,850 via an online crowdfunding page, she’s also received a £1,000 donation from her old school, Tonbridge Grammar, and she has been given money to go towards the fees from her late nan.
Flic, who lives in Faversham, said: “It would literally mean everything for me to be able to go and I think it would be a great message to give youngsters on the Island.
“I’d really like to show them that you can achieve your goals just by working hard. There might not be a straight, easy route but there is always a way.”
Speaking about her campaign, Flic said: “The support I’ve had from everyone at Oasis and elsewhere has been amazing.
“Crowdfunding is right out of my comfort zone and I didn’t know how people would react, but it’s been really cool and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
