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Send Josie Abroad to be of Service

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Family and Friends,

I have recently been accepted to Explorations Academy in Bellingham Washington. Explorations Academy is an NWAIS accredited independant school that works to combine academic excellence, experiential education, and interdisciplinary study.

You can check out their website here:  http://explorationsacademy.org/
or watch the Director Daniel Kirkpatricks Tedx talk about "making education matter" here:

Explorations teachers challenge students to reach their potentials and exceed their perceived limits.

I received a 2/3 scholarship toward tuition but am still trying to raising $5,285.00 in tuition funds. Part of the funds raised through this gofundme will go towards my remaining tuition bill. The other part will go towards a service trip to Indonesia. 

Community responsibility is central to the Explorations mission, and students complete numerous days of service learning work with environmentally-oriented organizations. Another large piece at Explorations is helping students become global citizens. The Explorations approach to international travel intentionally differs from that of some schools. Explorations teachers develop the curriculum and plan travel arrangements using the same public ground transportation used by locals. Each trip includes several substantial service projects - usually in schools, orphanages and other youth service agencies - that allow students to be of service to others, to build relationships and link them to the culture they are visiting.

I will have an amazing opportunity to serve in Indonesia through Explorations Academy. Explorations Academy helps and serves the needs of the communities that they visit. They build trust and friendship earning the ability to share and serve these people in forgotten regions of the world. I would be in Indonesia for 4 weeks going to schools, orphanages, and youth service agencies and serving the community as best we can, in any way that is needed.





This opportunity is daunting but exciting too! If I am able to raise the funds and go with this team of fellow students, teachers, and volunteers, we will be able to make a huge difference. 

The only way this trip could happen for me is if you guys could support me by donating. Since the trip is on the other side of the world the cost are pretty high but I am hopeful that this will happen. So I ask for your prayers, donations, and support through this crazy adventure.

If I can raise the funds to go I will be serving in Indonesia from January 1-31.
The airfare from Seattle to Indonesia and back is $1200 Total Volunteer Ground expenses are $1325
Suggested spending money is $400
Passport is $115
Visa is $50

Average Daily Cost (per person) is $ 68.68:
Accommodation $ 22.62
Food $ 9.24
Water $ 2.25
Local Transportation $ 2.36
Activities Fees $ 3.13
Communication $ 2.83
Tips and Handouts $ 9.97
Intercity Transportation $ 3.53
Other $ 9.15
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps $ 3.60

$68.68 x 31days = 2,129.08

This all adds up to over $5000.00 for Indonesia, but I am also selling arts and crafts projects on Etsy and trying to raise money by doing odd jobs for friends and family as well, so ANY amount donated would be amazing and helpful. 

About Indonesia:
With over 17,000 islands, 300 native ethnicities, and 700 distinct dialects, Indonesia has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. More than 60 percent of the country is forested and the constant volcanic activity has produced an environment supporting thousands of animal species. Volunteer opportunities in conservation, wildlife rescue, agriculture, non-profits, healthcare, and education are numerous. 

PROJECTS & PLACEMENTS:
Given the level of biodiversity, it’s no wonder that volunteering abroad in Indonesia often focuses on conservation, wildlife rescue, relief efforts, and social service.
Everyday, turtles, orangutans, Malaysian sun bears, Javan leopards, and hundreds of other animal species are sold on the black market in Indonesia, and many more animals are in need of proper rehabilitation. Other conservation efforts include marine research, protection of coral reefs and sea life, anti-poaching and anti-deforestation campaigns, recycling programs, and environmental education. With all the volcanic activity, earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia are somewhat common. Help is often needed with relief efforts like construction, renovation, farming and healthcare. Similarly, volunteers can contribute to humanitarian efforts by working at orphanages, caring for abused or disabled children, participating in community development and service programs, or teaching at local schools. 

COSTS
Depending on the length stay, costs can range anywhere from $1600- $4000, which typically includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and outings. A round trip plane ticket from L.A. to Jakarta costs around $1100 USD.

ACCOMMODATION
Accomodation is typically a shared room, guest house, or volunteer housing with fellow volunteers. Housing with homestays in smaller villages allows volunteers to experience the culture firsthand and mingle with locals daily.

VISAS
All volunteers must apply for a 60-day Social/Cultural visa before volunteering in Indonesia, volunteering on a tourist visa is not allowed. Volunteers will need to apply for a visa at their local Indonesian Embassy, which will require a valid passport, photos, a letter of invitation from the sponsoring volunteer organization in Indonesia, a copy of the ID card of the person who signed the letter, itinerary and proof of ticket purchase, and a $50 application fee. 

Safety & Awareness: Indonesia lies in a hazardous geographical region, it is naturally volcanic and prone to earthquakes, so travelers should get familiar with safety procedures and tips and be prepared to recognize signs of danger. It wouldn’t hurt to know a little First Aid as well.

Population: Islands with denser urban populations face challenges when it comes to poverty, cleanliness, pollution, traffic accidents, garbage, resources, and recycling. While volunteering in Jakarta or Bali, travelors should be prepared to deal with the consequences of living in highly populated areas that are somewhat isolated from the mainland.

Religion: Indonesia is the largest Islamic nation in the world, with over 90 percent of the population practicing Islam, so be sure to read up on the history and traditions of Islam, and research the cultural do’s and don’ts of Indonesia.
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    Organizer

    Josie Lombardi
    Organizer
    Bellingham, WA

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