We are a group of 7th-10th grade students from California fundraising to go on a cultural immersion trip to Senegal this June with the organization "Where There be Dragons", or Dragons.  Our community has a longstanding history of service with Dragons, with the aims to broaden perspectives and build empathy. This is the first year we have a significant financial hurdle to overcome. It is very important to us that this type of global experience is available to everyone, regardless of financial situation. We need to raise $10,000 by April 15th to make this trip happen.

Here are just a few stories from students who have chosen to participate in this immersive cultural experience.

The majority of our experience will be immersive homestays in Niodior, where we will learn about rainforest ecology, migration, conservation, and rural health. With the community we will learn about cultural traditions including cooking, drumming, dancing, and the Wolof language. We will partner with this community for a local service project, like planting mangrove trees with a women's cooperative. Our trip culminates with a visit to the beach village of Dene to learn about Sufi Islam and spirituality, offering time for reflection on our experience in a community dramatically different from our own.

If you are able to commit in any way, please do so through this fundraising site or, if you prefer, via personal check given to one of us (written to "Where There Be Dragons"). Including contact information will help us send you a token of appreciation upon our return. We are deeply grateful for your support. 

With love and appreciation,
Avery, Carolyn, and our inspiring students