Support my travel to São Tomé where I will volunteer as a teacher in kindergarten

Traveling to Africa was my dream for a very long time. My friend Milica knew all about it. Not so long ago she forwarded me a message that contained a description of a volunteering opportunity in São Tomé and Principe, which is a small and underdeveloped island country in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa.

The moment I read it I knew it was my destiny.

The best part was that I get a chance to give my contribution to the lives of children by teaching English and art in the kindergarten called Oficina dos Sonhos. Its owner and director is Maria Manuel Silva, who works hard and passionately to give the children the best conditions and best education, and through partnership with Love Life Generation from UK, gives opportunity to volunteers from other countries to come and work with children.

Teaching English was the main purpose of finding a volunteer, but Maria loved the fact that I am an artist and an experienced art teacher, so she wanted me to also give art classes to the children. It is something they do not have much contact with on the island. I actually see the new language and art fused together as a perfect combination for children of 2-6 years old, which I will be working with. We can work through drawing, movement and play, and through contact with nature. That way the language will come to life through the senses and expansion of imagination. The children will be given freedom to express themselves and find new ways of relating with the world around them, which will make the classes fun, exciting and stimulating.

I literally cannot wait to start working.

The accommodation for my 5 months long stay is provided, as well as the food during the work days. What is left to secure is the return airplane tickets from Belgrade to Lisbon and from Lisbon to São Tomé, possibly overnight stay between the flights, the transportation on the island during my stay, eating on the weekends and other everyday needs. And since at this moment of my life I have no permanent income or savings, this is where you come in.

Your support is very significant, not just in a financial way. Knowing that there are people out there who want to support my dream and the improvement of children's lives means the world to me. Every donation is meaningful, no matter how big or small. As a thank you gift, you will receive my drawing in digital form, which you can print for personal use. For 50 euros and more, you will receive two different drawings in digital form, and for 100 and more, three of them.

My heart is already on the island, with the kids, and you have the opportunity to help the rest of me go as well. Thankful in advance,

Antonia