Not your average gap year

Not your average gap year!

As many of you know I have spent the last 3 years up in York studying PPE. Whilst there I had the joy of studying amazing modules on political development. Instead of burying my nose into more textbooks, journal articles and essays I decided to put all that learning into action. 

"On August 3rd from 10:00-13:00 I will be having a pop in coffee morning. If you would like to come along and eat cake to help me fundraise it would be great to see you there! More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/327517937383104/?fref=ts "

Motivation / inspiration.

Currently there are approximately 10 million children subjected to various forms of sexual exploitation in the commercial sex industry. The reasons they fall into this life of brutality is often as a result of extreme economic hardship, social stigma and deprivation. The only way to escape this cycle is when people and organisations draw alongside them and help them to rebuild their lives. Help comes through half-way houses, education programmes and improving practical skills. Even though this seems like an enormous task I know that by joining up with others I can partner with what they are doing, I can learn from their experience and become better equipped for my future work. I trust that learning what the situation is like first-hand will make me a more passionate and engaged human rights advocate.

Brazil 

I will be spending four months in Olinda, located just inland of Recife, Brazil. I will be based with a charity called ReVive (http://revive-international.org) who are partnering alongside girls who have been forced in prostitution. Their current work is focused on going out "on the streets- doing groundwork, meeting the girls and getting to know their situations. This may be through regular soup kitchens, support groups or drop in centres." Within the last few months they have managed to purchase an incredible property which will become the first safe house for girls in Olinda. Whilst there, I will assist in the refurbishment of the property and providing care for the girls.

India

I will be based in India for just under 3 months, the majority of that time being spent in Delhi. My time will be spent working with two organisations, IJM (http://www.ijm.org/) and a local church (for security reasons I can't dilvulge its name). Again this work will be focused on women and children who face poverty and exploitation on a daily basis.  International Justice Mission is "a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare." The local church runs a long-term outreach programme in the city slums, in an attempt to offer a genuine way out of poverty.

Fundraising so far.

Through fundraising and part-time employment I have managed to raise £5000 over the past year. Fundraising events such as coffee-mornings, selling bunting, rugby photos and working for the Soul Survivor festivals are all part of this great effort. Recently my mum and I, along with some uni friends, set out on our "rookie" attempt at car-booting! We were slightly apprehensive but seriously organised. Amazingly we made £150.00 profit, so we will be back in the fields with our camping chairs shortly. 

Where your money will go.

At this stage I am still raising money to cover my living costs in Brazil and India. These amount to about £1000 each, so around £2000 in total -that's my goal! Each and every penny you donate will be used to fund living expenses whilst working with the two organisations mentioned. Whatever you can give will be most appreciated, no matter the amount. Donations can be made via the donate button on this website. This will take you through Pay Pal, which is the best way to donate securely. If you prefer not to use Pay Pal please contact me about bank transfers or cheques. Mobile : 07587 727775. Email : [email protected]

Thank you so much for taking your time to read this and donate! Below is link to my blog so you can keep up to date with my grand adventure.

Mia

http://roundtheworldin30000miles.wordpress.com/