Assist Douglasdale-based Colbey Gerber in keeping his dream alive

Colbey Gerber from Douglasdale, an international student at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada is pleading with residents to help him achieve his goal of completing his studies.

Colbey has been an international student for four years and considers Victoria his home. He has made a life, held two jobs, formed friendships and colleagues that he considers his family. He is studying for a degree in microbiology and biochemistry.

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The unfortunate thing about being an international student is the high university fees, and if he does not attend university, then the Canadian government will have no reason to keep him in the country. The past year (September 2024-April 2025) was a year he couldn’t fully pay for.

During the semester, Canada restricts how many hours international students can work, but he does make enough to pay for his accommodation, books and other living expenses.

He explained that the past few years have been amazing, adjusting to the culture, making friends, and getting a great education all at the same time. “The only problem is the international school fees, which have made it hard for my single mother and me,” said Gerber.

“I never grew up with a lot of money, but I have a lot of loving and supportive people who have helped me through this dream of mine and inspired me to make them proud every day.”

He said that he hopes to gain recognition and support from the community to fulfil his dreams. “Hopefully, spreading my story can be an inspiration to others who are too scared or stressed to travel and live abroad.”

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Colbey added that completing his studies as an international student will mean everything to him. “It makes me stand out from the crowd, and I love standing out to show my full potential. Another main reason why I want to get my degree this side is to make my family, mainly my mom, who has been through a lot, proud, and especially to be able to make South Africa and my community proud.”

The family has created a GoFundMe account to keep Colbey’s dream alive. “Any help would be much appreciated, and I thank you in advance. The funds being raised from this GoFundMe will go towards my tuition.”

The GoFundMe link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/36cbz-i-need-your-help

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