An Afternoon Tea to celebrate the work of World Friendship was hosted by Liverpool Hope University.
Representatives from the charity and students who have received support from the local organisation gathered in the Chaplaincy to mark the occasion.
World Friendship was founded in 1959 by Canon Sydney Thomas Goddard and his wife Cicely Goddard, to establish a hostel for overseas students.
The charity continues to this day, to support international students from non-EU countries by providing them with hardship funds. Grants are awarded to those who face financial difficulties related to living costs, which could potentially disrupt their ability to complete their studies.
Former Liverpool Hope Chaplain Rev Phillip Anderson, who is a Trustee of the charity, joined members of the University’s International Team in celebrating the generous work of World Friendship.
Carol Crawford, International Student Support Manager, said: “International (non-EU) students have no access to any UK government loans, grants or benefits, so once they are here and struggling with our economy, they can soon fall into financial difficulties. Giving up is not an option as families, employers, churches and sometimes whole communities have invested in them getting their degree. So students will go hungry rather than give up. World Friendship is often a lifeline and five students at the event stood up to give testimony to the difference World Friendship has made in their lives - it was very touching and quite emotional.”
Richard Magala, who is studying MA Environmental Science, thanked the charity for helping him to fund the many field trips necessary for his course. He said: “I am very grateful to everyone involved in the charity and wish God's blessings on you all.”