THIS summer, Sian Cogan from Upton Scudamore will be volunteering for a kids project in the city of Medellín, Colombia for four weeks.
The project provides day and residential care to children aged 5 to 17 who are vulnerable or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sian said, “There are around 3 million displaced people in Colombia, half of these being under the age of 15. Many families have been forced to leave farming land in the countryside to pursue a safer and hopefully more prosperous life in the city, however they have no experience of how to make a living in their new circumstances.
“The project teaches the children English and Spanish, gives them access to basic health and psychological care and volunteers also get involved with fun activities such as drawing, music and sports with the children.
“The project is intended to help the young and vulnerable children in the city to find a way out of poverty and educate them so they can become fully contributing members of their families.
“I know I am incredibly lucky to be part of a society where it is a requirement to have an education, and that I have had such an amazing support system behind me my entire life, enabling me to build ambition, motivation to work, and independence, three skills/mind-sets which I strongly believe all children have the right to experience, which is what I hope to inspire in the children on the project.
“I’m trying to raise £1,800 towards my trip, alongside my own £1,000 donation, so any financial support is very much appreciated.”
To sponsor Sian, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/kidsincolombia and for more information on the project visit www.globalteer.org/volunteerprojects.aspx?project=colombia-kids-project )
