Hi everyone!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.For those of you who know me well, you’ll know that my name’s Zahra Marlow and I’m a Youth Worker co-ordinate in Newham and work to support vulnerable young people.  I am often moved by how inspiring these young people are, despite the very challenging experiences some of them face.

 I want to take this opportunity to explain what I’m raising money for. Global Xchange is a partnership between VSO (the international development charity) and the British Council. This is a professional development programme for community workers and community activists like me. Through a range of activities Community Xchange aims to build the skills of participants to facilitate the positive participation of young people as active global citizens, and develop inter cultural dialogue that makes a positive difference to their communities.

Starting in April 2010, teams of 30 community workers, with equal numbers from the UK and Beijing, work in host communities for 3 weeks in the UK and 3 weeks in Beijing. Over the course of the exchange participants will take part in professional development modules, work attachments and shadowing, and community events to promote active citizenship among young people.Volunteer placements in the past have included:

·        peer education programmes

·        working as care assistants with older people and people with physical and mental disabilities

·        working with children as education assistants

·        working with marginalised communities (perhaps ethnic minorities, or women whose rights have been compromised by their social positions)

·        assisting with education health projects (e.g. spreading HIV/Aids awareness)

 

I am very excited to be part of this but I need your support!

 

As part of our commitment to Global Xchange, each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £350 towards the  work. The total cost of the placement, is £3,500. I hope you will be able to help."

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Voluntary Service Overseas gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. The Global Xchange programme is part of VSO and cheques should be made payable to “VSO”.

So please sponsor me now!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. Your donation, however big or small, will be vital in achieving my £350 target, thereby helping to improve the lives of communities both in the UK and in Beijing. I really appreciate your kindness. If you have any questions about what's involved or my reasons for volunteering with VSO for three weeks, please don't hesitate to email me: mailto:zahra_maalow85@hotmail.comk. THANKS ONCE AGAIN!! You can also look on http://www.globalxchange.org.uk// for more information.

thanks for all support