Elahe Ghazinoori's Story 

 I have been involved with the Santa Maria Foundation for a few months now. As a mother of two young girls, I feel that every girl should be furnished with love, security, education and direction in life so that they can grow up to be independent, confidant women. So, when I found out about the Foundation, I wanted to help and support the Foundation in the wonderful things they are doing for these beautiful children. Every child deserves to have an opportunity for a brighter future.

So how did I get to know about the Santa Maria Foundation?This charity was brought to my attention by my Colombian friend, Catalina Vitolo, who is also the Founder of Maloca , a place in Putney  I go to for Zumba (a fitness program inspired by Latin dance). Great place! You should all try them out one day. As soon as I was told about the charity, I felt compelled to become more involved.

 So how am I getting involved? My dear sister suggested that it may be a good idea to raise money for the charity by doing something that is Zumba related as it was through Maloca and Zumba that I got to know about the charity. ‘ What a great idea,  but what?’ I asked. She said ‘ It would be wonderful  if you could challenge yourself and train to become a Zumba instructor.’  I said ‘I am a lawyer and not a dancer.’ ‘ isn’t that the point, to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone.’ She said. Hmmmmm... I thought.  

To cut a long story short, I have now booked myself on the Zumba Instructor program scheduled for 12 April 2012 in Leicester. The course is very intensive and it requires about  9 hours of Zumba dancing. I have just 6 weeks to prepare myself for this challenge. There will be a lot of Zumba dancing in my house hold for the next few weeks in preparation for 12 April.  My husband and my two daughters have been warned.

 So how are my family and friends getting involved? They are sponsoring me in this Zumba dance challenge. All the money raised through this sponsorship will go directly to the little girls. Who would’ve thought, a Zumba instructor?  Of course, this is completely out of my remit, but it is for a charity so I am up for the challenge!