Help me Help the Children of South Africa

ABOUT ME

My name is Sanni Kosunen and I'm a 19-year-old girl from Finland with a desire to make my small contribution to making this world a better place. When I decided to take a gap year our months ago I knew I wanted to see the world and learn more about myself as well as help those in need. I've always had a soft spot for children. That's why I seeked a job in this field and I'm currently working as a substitute teacher in local nurseries. While working my love for children became even deeper and when I found out about a volunteering opportunity with children in South Africa I knew this was my once in a lifetime chance. But I need your help to make it come true.

THE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

I would start this non-paid volunteer program the 6th of January 2020 with International Volunteer Head Quarters (IVHQ). I would be helping the children who have "lost their parents to crime, alcohol or drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS, forcing them to live with their relatives or neighbors, who often do not have the means to take proper care of them." -IVHQ.

IVHQ describes their objectives and impact on local communities by saying:

"Volunteers help locally-run projects to improve lives through their support initiatives in the areas of teaching, childcare, surf outreach, sports development and computer training. Our South Africa program also has the specific aim of supporting children and young people aged between 9 months and 15 years who have had a rough start to life because of exposure to drugs, alcohol or physical abuse".

My duties on this program would include taking care of the children in local nurseries, organizing activities and games for the children as well as general duties of the center including cooking for and cleaning after the children.

WHY YOU SHOULD HELP ME AND WHERE THE MONEY WILL GO TO

I've been saving up as much as I've been able to since I started working in nurseries. Despite all of my efforts nothing will change the fact that as I want to volunteer I won't get any money off my work in South Africa and there are loads of expenses before I get there. Your donation no matter how big or small will go towards airfare from Finland to South Africa, program fees, visas, vaccinations and travel insurance.

Thank you for reading my fundraiser page and I hope you'll consider donating!

- Sanni

* I do not have any pictures with me and the children at my work, because most children don't have a permission to publish pictures to internet non-privately. I can provide you with proof if you wish considering my work history with children as well as more details about my volunteering program.