Prayers answered for Uhraine - Youth gets assistance to study in Canada

A few weeks ago, 18-year-old Uhraine Miller was sitting on his verandah in Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11, pondering where and how he would receive funding to continue his education.

Miller was looking to study at a Canadian college that had earlier sent him an acceptance letter. After reaching out to this newspaper, his story was shared on January 24. In that story, the Norman Manley High School student said his plan was to gain a solid education to get his family out of property. He said that his greatest wish was to take care of his mentally ill mother, who currently lives on the streets. The teenager's prayers were answered by dozens of Good Samaritans.

"Two weeks ago I can say that my life was upside down and things just weren't looking good. However, on this day, I can say that things have changed drastically for good, miraculously, and I must give thanks," he said.

A GoFundMe account that was set up for Miller has surpassed the CDN$20,000 (approximately $2.3 million) that was needed for him to begin his diploma programme at NorQuest College in Edmonton, Canada. Miller will begin classes in May. Among those who contributed significantly towards his expense is philanthropist and businesswoman Donna 'Auntie Donna' Gowe, who along with the help of her Planka Nation team, raised approximately $3 million.

"I have achieved my goal, and not only achieved it, but surpassed it as it is over 20,000 Canadian dollars. Thank you so much for the kind words, for the motivation, donations and for sharing my story and believing in me. Thank you all so much for being on this journey. I really want to thank THE STAR, because that was the foundation of where it all started. I want to say thank you to the lovely Auntie Donna and her Planka Nation for the assistance. I truly appreciate every single soul that helped in one way or another," Miller said.