Volunteering in Uganda & Madagascar

In December 2015 I graduated from The Ohio State University with my BA in Political Science. I studied World Politics, so I focused on international relations, foreign policy, and how the world works. In my studies, I've become extremely passionate about the developing African continent as these states have been hurt (and are continuously hurt) the most by how the international system works, and problems on the state level trickle down to become problems on an individual level. I am a constructivist, which in short means I believe the international system is influenced by ideas and experiences. In turn, this means the system can be changed! However, the change needed to produce the outcome of global equality on all levels is massive, and I want to contribute to that change as much as I can in my life through my studies and my actions.

During my last semester I was an intern at Community Refugee and Immigration Services, and I want to work for an NGO aimed at helping women and children in developing African states now that I have my degree. But before I find my dream job and get paid to help, I want to volunteer! After much research I've decided to volunteer in Uganda and Madagascar through International Volunteer HQ.

Mutungo, Uganda:
Life in Uganda for children right now is very different than it is here in the U.S. Their crime rate is critical, terrorism is high, and corruption is medium, so they see and deal with issues that we don't see or deal with here as children. Many of the children I will be volunteering with have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS, so it's important they have time with adults who care about them and their future to keep them out of violence. 
For three weeks I will be volunteering in Mutungo with childcare, working with impoverished children in day care centers, nursery schools and kindergartens. We'll be spending time together, playing games, and doing educational activities. During my time in Uganda I am hoping to positively impact the lives of every child I'll be interacting with to keep them living a happy life!
 Read more about the problems facing Ugandan children ‌

Nosy Komba Island, Madagascar:
From Uganda I'll be heading to Nosy Komba Island to volunteer with forest conservation on the edge of a tropical rain forest in Madagascar. Madagascar is about 75% (+) impoverished, so unfortunately for its unique wildlife, rain forests are being destroyed in order for people and corporations to make money through environmental crime.
While I'm there I'll be studying black lemurs and various other species, their habitats, and potential threats to them. As of last year, "90% of lemur species are threatened with extinction." I'm hoping to increase the longevity of these species' existence by conserving their habitats during my two week stay! 
 Read more about the problems facing lemurs ‌

I'm raising money to make these incredible opportunities happen! Between program fees, flights, volunteer insurance, visas and vaccines, the expenses add up quickly. I'll be flying out May 14, 2016, so there is still time to raise and time to save, but I need your help! 

Thank you in advance for your generosity! You are helping me change the lives of children who suffer the unfair consequences of where they were born every day due to the current international system, and exotic animals in a unique habitat at risk of being destroyed. In retrospect, YOU are making the difference!

In return for your donation of $5 or more I will be providing you with a password to my video blog. While I'm on this trip I will be documenting what I'm doing and how it's making a difference, that way you can see how your donation is making positive change! Even $5 will help better the lives of others, and if I can raise/save enough, I'll be buying the children supplies in Uganda to help support them and their economy even more. 

**All project information and fees can be found through the links below**
Uganda
Madagascar