Hi everyone!

 

I have recently been chosen to volunteer on a development project for 12 weeks with International Citizen Service (ICS), for the Department for International Development (DFID). 

ICS projects bring together young people from different countries to fight poverty and make a lasting difference – with volunteers from the UK working alongside volunteers from the developing world.

Each project has specifically asked for the help of UK volunteers to meet local needs.

 

I will be going to Bolivia in June with one of the six organisations sending ICS volunteers, International Service.

Bolivia, one of South America’s poorest countries, is characterised by its rich cultural heritage and significant indigenous population. The correlation between poverty and ethnicity is strong. Indigenous groups are often marginalised and do not have access to education and health services due to cultural and economic barriers.

 

I will be working with one of three local parters: Aldeas Infantiles SOS, Child Fund or UpClose. All of these partner organisations work with marginalised groups to tackle the root causes of inequality, and build societies where everyone's rights are respected and fulfilled. They focus on protecting and promoting the rights of women, children, young people and people living with disabilities.

 

 

But to be able to go, I first have to fundraise for the charity.

All my costs as a volunteer are already covered so the money donated goes straight to the charity. This money will ensure the sustainability of the work I will be doing in Bolivia even after I leave in September.

If the project isn't sustainable, it's not worth the investment ...and so if I don't reach my target I wont be going :(

 

To raise money and awareness for the project in Bolivia I will be doing the Live Below the Line Challenge.

 

The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than £1 per day. By living off just £1 per day for 5 days, I will be bringing to life the experiences of the 1.4 billion people currently living in extreme poverty. This challenge is particularly fitting for my project as a massive 60% of Bolivia’s population lives below the poverty line.

 

So for 5 days I will be calculating the cost of everything I consume and ensuring it’s less than £1 each day. And I cannot accept any donations of food or drink either! I will be giving regular updates throughout the challenge on http://shulilivingbelowtheline.wordpress.com/

For more details on the challenge see: https://www.livebelowtheline.com.

 

 

Some of you may know: I have a degree in Nutrition and a strong tendency for insomnia.. So I’m really struggling with the idea of not being able to afford any fresh fruit & vegetables or a proper cup of coffee!

 

So make sure it’s all worthwhile and please dig deep and donate now!!

Thank you!

Shuli J