From September 2017 to May 2018 I lived in the Saharawi refugee camps. I volunteered on the Desert Voicebox programme, teaching English and Music. While I was there I focused on speaking in Spanish and learned very little Hassaniya (shamefully!). Over 27 days in February, I'm going to learn enough Hassaniya to be able to say more to my Saharawi mum and introduce myself in Hassaniya when I speak at events on behalf of the Saharawis. Language learning for Activism - it's what it's all about! 

This is not my toughest challenge yet and mainly benefits me (I would normally be training to run in the Desert). But hopefully you can see the significance of my learning the language of the Saharawis to fundraise for them to be able to learn the languages of English and Music - two incredibly important tools for communication.

Sandblast and I believe in the right of every child to dream and have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. Through Desert Voicebox, we seek to provide unique opportunities for Saharawi refugee children to learn, develop their potential and use their voices to express themselves in new ways. We aim to equip them with the tools that can help them to turn their dreams into reality and become ambassadors for their community to raise awareness of their plight and threatened cultural heritage.