In short

I’m swimming from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus strait! Please help me raise funds for Middle East Children’s Institute, an amazing charity whose work I found close to my heart and absolutely inspiring.

MECI supports school children and youth in Palestine and in Jordan, including Syrian refugees and underprivileged Jordanian children. They run after-school programs, help kids complete their education, and provide emotional, psychological, and physical health support for the students. I love their holistic approach to education.

A longer story

When in December my friend Adam told me about a swim from Asia to Europe, I resolutely exclaimed, "why not!". Then I headed for the pool. Two pool lengths made me out of breath! But death-or-glory, we signed up for the 6.5 km trek and started training.

The idea of swimming from Asia to Europe made me think of all the people who have been completing similar journeys, escaping war and persecution — the refugees. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate this swim to people who are in a plight. Syrian people in particular, who have been fleeing the country since 2011.

Earlier this year I had a beautiful opportunity to go to Jordan and lead a 3-week engagement with a local organization focused on building an online learning platform for schoolkids. On that occasion, I learned a lot about the challenges of the local education system, where schools are strained and have to work two shifts to accommodate both Jordanian and Syrian children. It is also hard for the youths who have been out of school for several years due to war to rejoin the formal education system, and both remedial and informal education programs are much needed.

Jordan is a small country, with a population of 10 mln. Just 18 years ago, the population was only 5 mln. Jordan has been receiving refugees from Palestine and Iraq for a long time now, and it is currently the country with the second highest share of Syrian refugees compared to its population: 89 Syrian refugees per 1,000 inhabitants.

50% of the refugees are under the age of 18. Their personal futures are at stake. It is them who will shape the future of the region and the world. They need access to quality education and support as "education is a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and sustainable future". As MECI believes,

Middle East Children's institute has been doing incredible work in Palestine and Jordan, serving at risk and vulnerable Palestinian, Jordanian, and Syrian children, youth, and their communities. They partner with Ministries of Education and local community organizations. They provide psychosocial support programs to help these young people heal conflict-related trauma through one-on-one and group counseling, as well as therapeutic programs such as art, music, drama, sports and environmental science. MECI also provides academic enrichment programs in math, science, Arabic, English, and specialized courses that help to develop life skills and leadership in young people, so that they grow up to be agents of change and leaders in their communities.

In Palestine, MECI’s participants also engage in weekly community service projects that have created a culture of volunteerism, social responsibility and community connection. Since 2007, MECI has impacted over 16,000 children to date in both Palestine and Jordan and its programs will be present in 58 schools in Jordan this year. What I love about their work in particular is that their Head Quarters administration team is very lean (3 people!). They hire staff on the ground through their Palestinian and Jordanian offices that work on and deliver the programs. They train everyone they hire or use as outsourcing partners (teachers, bus drivers) in child protection and safety.

A colleague who previously volunteered with them in Jordan recommended this charity. We've exchanged calls and emails, and I couldn't be more thrilled to support them!

I wouldn't be where I am today without education and the generosity of those who funded my scholarships throughout high school and university. I want to pay that gift forward, with your help, and make it possible for MECI to continue impacting children, youths, and their communities.

How will you see the impact?

MECI provides a 6-month and an annual report to donors demonstrating how the funds were used. I'll share them with you!!!

If you'd like to know more, take a look at these resources: their website , their 2016 report, and a few of the individual stories .

They partner with a host of international organizations, including Unicef and Malala Fund.

Extra good news

The company I work for is so amazing that it will match whatever I fundraise and double the impact. How wonderful!!

You were out of breath after 2 pool lengths...can you swim 6.5k?!

Absolutely!!! I got a coach, trained hard in pool and open water, and now even 5k is a breeze. Amazing how the human body adapts! The current should also help :)

But when is it?!

Sunday, 22nd of July, 8:00 AM, Istanbul

This is what I'll probably look like after... (#wokeuplikethis)

Anything else?

Well, keep your fingers crossed! And if you have any questions — ask away!!

Oh, and also...

Thank you!!!!

Edyta