In April 2018, myself and a number of other education professionals from Birmingham will be undertaking a visit to Guatemala, as part of the Nicodemus Charity's work in the country.
Nicodemus supports and funds work with children and young people, who live in extreme poverty.
The purpose of the visit is to support and work with teachers in Guatemala, to share inclusive practice and strategies for children with disabilities and special educational needs. In the areas we will be visiting, we will be working with those who are educating the most deprived and vulnerable children, those that have been abandoned because of their severe needs, as well as those children who work for a living on the rubbish tips, to earn money for their families.
I passionately believe in this cause as I believe that education is for everyone, and that all children and young people should have access to it. This is an amazing opportunity to help, support and share practice with other teachers, teachers who are working in desperate conditions and are committed to improving the life chances of children and young people living in abject poverty, some of whom have been rejected and abandoned by their families. Children with SEND have extra vulnerabilities, however in this third world country, they face a future where they are grossly neglected, and where the opportunity for them to learn and thrive is denied. By supporting the training of teachers, by sharing ideas, knowledge and understanding, we can leave a legacy, something that is practical, inclusive, that will empower children, young people and the dedicated workers in the children centres.
Undertaking this visit is entirely voluntary, which is why I'm asking for your help. Your money would fund my visit-flights, transport between villages and accommodation. Although the total amount needed for the trip is £1600, the trip is being paid for in bi-monthly installments. I need to raise £380 by Sept 30th for the inital payment.
Nicodemus also supports children and young people in the UK too. Please visit www.nicodemuscharity.org.uk.
Thanks for your time-please 'Get Emma-Lou to Guatemala'