Letter from a former student

Anbjørg Juliussen, executive director of Butterfly Friends, recently received a letter from a former student. Since the letter served both as an update on what has happened to this student and as a request for financial assistance with her further education, we are including the letter here.
The letter was written in English, but for convenience we have translated it into Norwegian.

At the very bottom is her second letter, which she wrote after Anbjørg had replied to the first one.

Update and Request for Sponsorship for a Master’s Degree

Dear Ms. Ann,
I hope you are well and in good health, and that you will respond positively to this message.

My name is Horeja A. Mbye. I am writing to you today as a proud alumna of ABC School, where I completed my entire educational journey, from preschool in Ebo Town to high school in New Jeshwang.

I am reaching out to share how the foundation you laid for me has completely transformed my life, and to respectfully seek guidance and support for my next academic step.

Throughout my time at ABC School, I devoted myself entirely to my studies. Thanks to the excellent environment and the resources provided by the Butterfly Friends organization, I earned 9 credits upon graduating from high school.

Because of these strong results, I was fortunate enough to win a national scholarship to study nursing in Morocco. I am thrilled to inform you that I officially graduated this year with a grade of “Bien” (Good).

My goal now is to pursue a master’s degree in nursing/health care in Norway, and in this way “give back” to Butterfly Friends, which made my education possible. I want to build on the knowledge I gained in Morocco to become a highly specialized professional who can make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare system.

As the visionary who made my early education possible, I would be deeply grateful for any guidance, mentorship, or scholarship opportunities through Butterfly Friends that could help me with the transition to a higher education program in Norway.

Thank you for your lifelong dedication to the children of The Gambia, and for giving me the platform to achieve my dreams. I would be happy to share my transcripts and diplomas with you if given the opportunity.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Horeja A. Mbye
(former ABC student)

Dear Ms. Ann,
Thank you so much for your warm, friendly, and incredibly encouraging response! It meant so much to me. I hope you also had a beautiful and blessed Tabaski.

Your willingness to help me contact hospitals in Norway means everything to me. I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little more of my heart and my story with you, so that you know just how much you and the Butterfly Friends organization have changed my life.

I come from a poor family and faced enormous difficulties early on. I lost my beloved mother when she gave birth to me, and I lost my father in 2013. Because of these losses, when Butterfly Friends gave me the gift of a free, quality education, I held on to it with both hands. I knew that education was my only way to build a bright future and honor my parents. I will forever be grateful that you gave a girl from Ebo City the platform to stand strong and succeed.

Regarding my official academic documents: I defended my thesis and graduated on May 21! Because I graduated so recently, and the administrative offices are closed due to the Tabaski holiday, there is a slight delay in obtaining the physical documents.

As soon as the school administration reopens after the holiday—which will be on Monday—I will gather all my official transcripts and academic records.
My actual diploma will also be issued very soon.

I am currently working on writing down my specific educational aspirations, my career goals, and the underlying reasons why I wish to pursue this path in Norway, and I will complete this as soon as possible. I will gather everything—my documents, diplomas, and my statement of educational goals—and send them directly to you as soon as they are ready.

Thank you again, Mrs. Ann, for your boundless love and dedication to the children in The Gambia. You are a true mother to us.
Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to updating you soon!

With deepest respect and eternal gratitude,

Horeja A. Mbye
Former ABC student