Issue 3: Autumn/Winter 2017
Education for children and young people, Support for Freemasons and families
MCF Alumni
This summer, thousands of young people graduated from universities across the country and are now embarking on their chosen careers, but with tuition fees at an all-time high, young people from low-income families are increasingly reluctant to apply for a place at university.
Since 1788, when we established a school for orphaned daughters of Freemasons, we have helped tens of thousands of children and grandchildren of Freemasons reach their academic potential despite difficult circumstances at home.
Here are just a few examples of the bright young people we have supported onto career paths in a variety of industries.
We are incredibly proud of our ever-growing MCF Alumni and wish them all the best in the future.
The Engineer
Martin
After Martin’s parents divorced, his Freemason father, Jim, worried how he would be able to support him financially over the years ahead.
“Thanks to the MCF, I was able to graduate with a first class honours degree in Civil Engineering. The support gave me stability to achieve my goals during a time of great change in our lives. I am now continuing my studies to specialise in structural engineering. In the future, I’d like to combine my knowledge of engineering with humanitarian aid so I can work to make the world a better place.”
The Sports Performance Analyst
Chris
During the financial crisis, Chris’ father was made redundant several times. Soon after, Chris started university where he studied Sports Science.
“I knew my dad wanted to support me while I was at uni, but he was struggling so much. The MCF supported me through my Bachelor’s degree and my Masters. I now work full time as a Performance Analyst for the Cardiff Blues rugby team and I’m about to start a four year PhD which will run alongside my job – I’ll be looking at coach and player feedback relationships. I really am grateful to the MCF – I’ve had so much support all the way through, and I’m now in a position where I can support myself which I didn’t think would be possible.”
The Clinical Psychologist
Aimee
After Aimee’s father died at the age of 45, her Freemason grandfather, Frederick, stepped in to support the family through the financial strain that followed. Eventually his savings started to run low and he turned to the MCF to help his granddaughter.
“The MCF made sure I had all the resources and equipment I needed to study. I graduated from Cardiff University with first class honours in Psychology and have since completed my PhD. I’ve also been accepted to go and study for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in October 2017, the goal I had in mind when I was first studying – I’ve finally got there after nine years! I’m extremely grateful for all of the support from the MCF. They have been fantastic and have enabled me to pursue a career I really love.”
The Filmmaker
Jake
After Jake’s parents divorced, he lived with his mum, Joanna. Over the next few years she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was then made redundant. Joanna struggled to afford the basics and was unable to financially support Jake’s dream to pursue an education and career in the performing arts.
“During my second year at college, my grandad, who was a Freemason, fell ill. During the last few months before he died, he told me about the help that may be available through the MCF. A week after grandad died, I was accepted as a beneficiary of the MCF and gained a place on my chosen course. It’s comforting to me that grandad knew I would be taken care of after his passing. One of the films I produced at university has won seven awards and I’m currently working backstage at The Phoenix Theatre in London and also run my own film production company on the side. Without the MCF I wouldn’t have had a chance of attending Regent’s University and following my dream of becoming a filmmaker. I hope to become a Freemason one day and give back to the MCF.”
The Arts Lecturer
James
Before he got in touch with us, James was working in McDonald’s to fund his degree studies at the Royal College of Art in London. The cost of fees and central accommodation began to spiral and he was unsure how he would continue with his course.
“The support from the MCF allowed me to give up term time work at McDonald’s and focus properly on my studies through my Masters and my PhD. The MCF has empowered me to pursue a career in art – something I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do after the rise in fees seemed to price me out of education. At the end of my PhD studies I achieved a distinction, and I’m now Dr Green, Arts Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University!”
The Dentist
Jenna
Jenna completed her Biomedical Science degree and was offered a place to study dentistry – something she’d always aspired towards. However, shortly before starting the course, Jenna was told that student finance would not fund her studies and she would have to fund the whole course herself.
“Whilst studying an incredibly intense course, I also had to take on two jobs just to try and make ends meet. Eventually this took a toll on my physical and mental health, and I almost had to drop out of university. My grandfather was a Freemason and told me if I ever needed help, the Freemasons would be there for me – so I got in touch with the MCF and applied for support. The MCF paid for my tuition fees, and I’ve now graduated as a Dentist with a first class honours. Applying for support was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
