Beyond Yourself is a multi-year project to climb the highest peak on each continent before I turn 30 while raising money and awareness for Fields of Life, and a goal to start an organization that helps people achieve their wildest dreams and goals while making a difference and an impact in the world. My hope is that as I embark on and document this journey that you are encouraged to live for more. To inspire you to live and pursue your biggest dreams. To encourage you to make a difference. To live beyond yourself.

The first cause we will be raising money for will be the I Am Girl initiative. It is the goal of Fields of Life to educate both boys and girls, men and women within their school network on issues such as gender equality, menstrual hygiene management, gender based violence, and child protection. We are also passionate about improving the personal hygiene and health of young girls through the provision of reliable water sources, improved washing facilities and access to appropriate sanitary protection.

So briefly, here’s what our $7,500 contribution would make possible:

- New Student Latrines so girls and boys no longer have to share the same toilet building; provides girls with privacy during their menstrual period.

- New Rainwater Harvesting Tank and handwashing facilities so students do not have to walk 1-2 km each way to the village handpump every day for handwashing.

- Training, sewing machines and material for all the students (girls and boys) to make reusable sanitary pads for the girls and for their mothers and sisters.

- Child protection training and materials for the students, teachers and community leaders.

- Fees for 5 girls per school to attend ‘I Am Girl Champion’ training camp.

The long-term impact of our $7,500 contribution would be:

IMPROVED WATER & SANITATION

- To increase access for adolescent girls to adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene products to manage their menstrual cycles in a safe and healthy environment.

- To provide access to clean water in communities in order to specifically reduce the incident of attack that occurs when girls have to walk long distances to fetch drinking water.

MENSTRUATION EDUCATION

- To educate, build capacity and raise awareness among teachers, students, and community members (including men and boys) on menstruation.

STOP GENDER VIOLENCE

- To tackle the prevalence of gender related violence and abuse through education.

I would love for you to partner with us, to make a difference in the lives of girls in East Africa. If you would like more information on I Am Girl, please visit www.beyondyourselfadventure.com or email me at taylor@beyondyourselfadventure.com.

If you would like more information about Beyond Yourself, please visit us at www.beyondyourselfadventure.com

Thank you so much!

Best wishes,

Taylor Cook