Around the world there are over 65 million people displaced and over half of them are women and children,seeking refuge where ever they can. They escape unfathomable dangers, hoping to find safety and happiness again.There are numerous organzations dedicated to helping the the displaced, yet so much more needs to be done and I would like to be part of the efforts. This summer I'll be working with two  grassroots organizations in Jordan and Greece, helping families and children and your support is greatly appreciated. In Jordan I will be working in remote camps with Syrian Refugees. In Greece most of the refugees are from Syria but there are also families from Iraq and Afghanistan. 

In both countries I, along with other vounteers, will be providing craft activities and games for the children. I will also provide information on developmental milestones for parents with infants and todders (essentially what I do in the shelters).In Jordan there is no schooling at the camp sites and most families are transient. Therefore, I will be spearheading a project making makeshift chalk boards. The items are inexpensive, lightweight and reusable. Since the children are not receiving formal education the parents can provide basic reading, writing and arithmetic using the chalkboards. In Jordan we will see at least 800-1,000 children and I would like to prepare chalkboards for all of them and ship them to a Jordanian counterpart before my arrival. Education is paramount for all children and for the displaced it can be pivotal and may even be a lifeline. If these children do not receive some form of education it may have consequences for the current and future generations; the cost of human potential will be immeasureable and I find this absolutely unacceptable. 

In Jordan the costs of over the counter medicine is considerably high, especially for those with little or no money and I will be taking items such as IBprofen, vitamins and swabs for woundcare. While in Greece I can find most of the medical supplies for reasonable prices and purchase what is needed for the camp site. The situation in Jordan is much more precarious and I will have to take most of the supplies with me or have them shipped, adding to the cost of the trip. 

I will be abroad for a month, over a week in Jordan and three weeks in Greece. I'm seeking monetary support for the aformentioned supplies and assistance with the cost of my flight and lodging, especially since I will be taking a month off work.  Any assistance will provide the means and strength to support those who are incredibly vulnerable, together we can make a difference. 

Here is a breakdown of what I will purchase and requesting assistance for: 

1. Medical Supplies 
2. Vitamins for both adults and children
3. Supplies for simple arts and craft activities
4. Chalkboard paint
5. Canvass for [phone redacted]  children in Jordan and the number is unknown yet in Greece. 
6. Chalk
7. Lodging  and meals 
8. Flights
9. Polaroid camera and the film, the children cherish picutes that they can keep.
10. The costs to ship items before my arrival

To learn more about the organization in Jordan you can research them at http://atlantichumanitarianrelief.org. I am in contact with numerous organizations in Greece and the one needing the most support during the month of July will be the one I work with, I will know by the second week of May and update with their information. 

Thank you for your kindness, compassion and support, 

Raquel