Thanks for visiting my Just Giving page. 

 

My name is Lauren, and I have just finished the requirements for my MSc in Development Studies at the London School of Economics. In January 2012 I will be heading to Uganda for six months to do development work for the first time!

 

In Uganda, I will be working with an incredible youth-driven organization called Restless Development. Their mission is to place young people at the forefront of change and development by empowering youth to engage in policy processes, to make responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and to acquire the skills needed to pursue meaningful livelihood opportunities. They have been cited as a model of best practice by the World Bank, UNAIDS, and UNICEF, among other organizations. Their philosophy of sustainable, youth-driven development involves pairing international volunteers with national and local volunteers to share knowledge and learn from each other to make better projects. This means that when I go to Uganda, I will be living and working with Ugandans in their own communities.  

 

To make this project possible, I need to fundraise $6700. This not only covers my flight, training costs, and living expenses for six months, but also supports the projects I will be working on as well as Restless Development’s other ongoing work. Supporting this project means that you are not only supporting me, but an amazing organization that works to create sustainable change in communities where it is needed most.

 

To fundraise for this project I will be running the Fall Classic Half-Marathon in Vancouver, BC, on November 20, 2011. I have been a runner for a few years now and have completed several 10K races, but this is my first big race. I am currently in training and am really looking forward to race day! I will also be holding a few more events this fall in Calgary and Vancouver. Stay tuned for details.

 

You can help immensely by donating any amount. However, donors who contribute $20 (£13) or more can earn the right to “sponsor a day” of my trip and receive a letter from me written on the calendar day of your choice while I am in Uganda (between January 2 and June 29). I will let you know what I have done that day and what life as a development worker in rural Uganda is really like. Donate early to claim the day that you want! All donations must be in by December 20, 2011.

 

Thank you so much for your support.

 

Lauren

 

P.S. If you are interested in following me on my trip or learning more about international development, check out my blog at http://laurenisrestless.blogspot.com/