In March 2012, we will be taking part in a charity challenge for VSO ('Voluntary Service Overseas') in Ethiopia - there are three parts to our challenge:
1) Fundraising for VSO (to meet our initial target of £15,000).
2) Training – a 4 month training plan to get fit, complete practice treks and multiple days walking to ensure we are capable to deal with part 3.
3) A trip to Ethiopia - we will be trekking to the highest peak in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen at 4,600m - the 4th highest mountain in Africa (a physical challenge for us, also bringing money to the local economy via sustainable tourism and a chance to visit one of the projects which the funds that we raise will continue to support as well) - please note that we are also personally paying for our flights and the majority of our trek fees as well, therefore the highest possible proportion of your donation will go directly to VSO.
Why are we signing up for this? It is all to raise much needed support for VSO – a great charity that does an awful lot of good around the world to help fight poverty in developing countries and to give others the kind of start in life that many of us were privileged enough to receive.
To put into context the difference our fundraising will make in the fight against poverty, here are some examples of what your money can do:
· £50 could provide HIV and AIDS training for a VSO volunteer to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in local communities throughout Zambia.
· £158 could keep a VSO child health specialist teaching 33 future doctors and nurses at Mbarara University Hospital in Uganda for one month.
· £250 could help a VSO volunteer to train 20 local teachers in special teaching methods and in the management of Special Needs Units in Kenya in-order to support children with disabilities.
· £500 could train and provide initial funds to 10 HIV+ women in Mozambique to start their own business, giving them and their children income and hope.
Why Ethiopia? The majority of VSO volunteers in Ethiopia are working in the area of education. Volunteers are working at a number of different levels in Ethiopia to support improvements in education management and teacher training, which will ultimately have an impact on the quality and relevance of education children receive.
VSO is the largest independent charity in the world working through volunteers. They work in 42 countries in the poorest regions of the world. Instead of sending money, food or clothes, they send people from a range of professions who want to make a difference. VSO volunteers work in six specific areas: HIV and AIDS, disability, participation and governance, secure livelihoods, education, health and well-being. Of every £1 that is donated to VSO - 90 pence goes directly to saving lives.
Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Just Giving – 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 - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our Just Giving page and we hope that you are happy to support us.
Instinct says to change your life. VSO says why not change someone else’s - so please dig deep and donate now.
Claire, Eliz & Vicky.
