Hi, everyone! 

This page is to spread awareness of an awesome organization, GIVE, and hopefully inspire some of you to contribute towards my opportunity to work with them in Nicaragua this May!

I'm currently working towards a career in Development Communications, in which I aim to partner with developing communities in harnessing local resources for sustainable economic growth. Unfortunately, chances to gain insight and practical tactics to help further these goals are rare and difficult to attain.

Understandably, GIVE does not offer scholarships for their trips, as their funds are all generously put towards the direct aid of the regions in which they work. That being said, I am hopeful that the financial commitment needed for this excursion will not be an obstacle that I won't be able to overcome!

I will be placed in a small, coastal fishing village that is rich with natural resources, but crippled without access to education, fresh water, or any waste management systems, and recently devastated by nonnative overfishing. This has all been compounded by rising sea levels that have left local families homeless and lacking basic human needs.

The price of the trip is considered a donation to GIVE’s community efforts, and includes all of my meals (provided by locals), water, shelter, and transportation once I’ve arrived in Nicaragua. Your contributions will go directly to this donation, and will result in physical and educational projects in the community of Jiquilillo, the effects of which will be able to be seen indefinitely.

If even a hundred people considered the needs of these families worth the cost of a movie date, my goal to offer them the help they need could be in reach! 

Please check out GIVE's video and their amazing initiatives - I appreciate the consideration you've already given my cause, and I hope you will reach out if you have any other interests or questions!

- Mary Allison