Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the Sahara to raise funds for Studio-Live, a music studio in the Saharawi refugee camps of the West Algerian desert.

These camps have been there since 1975.  59% of the population is under 18 years old (2010, Chatty).The Saharawi refugees themselves have been the ones running their own affairs and organising camp life with little outside interference. Much emphasis has been placed on developing human resources and striving for self-reliance. The refugees are indeed dependent on food and other essential aid for survival; however, organisations like the UNHCR that provide assistance to the camps have never run any programs there,

Over the next few years, Studio-Live will be providing resources and training so that the refugees will become equipped to record, produce and showcase their music at professional levels and be better able to preserve their rich oral heritage and enable self sustainability through music.  

Training opportunities are largely targeting women and youth, who make up more than 70% of the camp population.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Music is so much more than entertainment. Being able to be creative allows you to explore ideas and provides crucial critical thinking skills that are not often provided in schools (my Saudi schooling for one, had zero). Being heard through your music and art also nurtures self identity which in turn provides confidence and with a healthy confidence there are always better options. 

This is why this project is one I want to support. It is helping the camps become self sustainable through their music, which in turn helps keep their culture alive and healthy. I'd love it if you were able to support it also, either by donating and sponsoring me via Just Giving.  

This year has been my first year of running. Dec 6th I got to 10K, I am aiming for the half marathon by Feb. Whether that's realistic or not I shall find out and if I don't run all of it I will definitely walk the rest! It will of course be slightly different to running on the sand than on grass and tarmac, and there is also the heat to think of but it will be around 23º then.

If you are a runner yourself and you want to come along then come! You can find out more about it here. 

http://www.sandblast-arts.org

  

Please watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXmZRoV4brg

Follow my progress here: http://runkeeper.com/user/Rasha/profile

Studio Live: http://sandblast-arts.blogspot.co.uk/p/studio-live.html

Thank you for reading my page. 

Best

Rasha xx