Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

As some of you may already know I am very excited to be volunteering on a 3-month voluntary development programme in Bolivia on September 23.  The programme is funded by the Department of International Development (DFID) and run by some of the most respected Organisations fighting poverty through volunteering. 

The Organisation I will be going with is the International Service.  Their goal is to support people to understand their rights – and put them into action - so they are empowered to change their own lives for the better.  Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, and therefore we will be working with the International Service to support the Bolivian citizens to understand their rights by directly working alongside local volunteers on one of 3 projects (depending on where the help is most needed when I am due to fly out) which will involve supporting children from disadvantaged and difficult backgrounds.  The projects have all been specifically chosen to ensure that the energies and skills of young people can make a direct impact on the poorer communities. 

Aldeas Infantiles involves building host families for orphaned and abandoned children and training young people in technical areas so they can take control of their lives.

Child Fund protects children and young people from discrimination, abuse, and exploitation, by making sure they reach school age in a healthy way, not just through education but also through the development of other essential life skills.

Upclose, which aims to tackle local issues facing young children, including the high rates of abuse and abandonment among young children.

So as you can see, all incredibly worthwhile projects which make a real difference to communities. I am honored to be a part of this!!

So what am I doing to justify you donating money to me?  Well I thought it would be amazing to get everybody together before I leave so I could say goodbye to all of you.  I will therefore be holding a quiz night on the 15 September (the weekend before I leave on the 23 September).  The evening will be held at our church St Luke’s from 7pm.  Ploughmans Supper and homemade Huntingford deserts will be included and we are giving the recommended ticket price of £10.

Any sponsorship at all you lovely people can spare would be so much appreciated! And please spread the word to friends and family, as your donations will directly affect the lives of many children for the better. Thankyou in advance :-) 

I hope you will all be able to make it so I can say goodbye…after all Bolivia does have the most dangerous road in the world in it… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1QJWUEHEnw

Donations will go towards supporting the work of International Service through enabling young people from the UK and from overseas developing countries to work on placements that that will make a lasting difference on impoverished communities around the world.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’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’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. 

Thank you all so much, Love Emily