<p><strong>I am going to Mali as a Development Worker in January - and I would like to raise as much money as possible for International Service (the charity that I am helping). Please help me!!</strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong>I am going to kayak from Birmingham to Warwick (25 miles) on the 3rd December. It would be great for you to sponsor me - the more I raise, the harder I will paddle!</strong></p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p>Mali is the 5th poorest country in the world. Over 90% of Malians live on less than $2 a day.&nbsp; The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid, and its economy is vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton and gold which are its main exports. Mali faces many environmental challenges, including desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate supplies of drinking water.<br><br>International Service has been placing Development Workers with local partner organisations in Mali since 1978. The main thematic areas in Mali are HIV/AIDS, young people and disability. Development Workers seek to promote organisational development and capacity building as a means to support the development of strong civil society.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</em></p> <p><em><br></em></p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now!</p>