Hello friends and family, supporters and allies! My name is, Rakiya Larkin- Pompu and I live in Victoria, British Columbia. I am from the Namgis and Piikani First Nations. I am proud of my First Nations, Romanian and German roots. 

I am twenty-three years old and am currently working as a receptionist in a Retirement Residence, and going to school for Human Resources (HR) management, my Advanced Diploma through Camosun College, has almost finished. With my schooling, I aspire to be an HR Professional; I believe in ethics and equality, so Human Resources Management seemed like the right fit.

I am an important part of my family, and community.
Each achievement included helpers, and mentors who champion young women. I have learned how to dream big!

Recently, I was accepted as one of the interns and volunteers for the: Interagency Coalition of AIDS Development (ICAD) Project that is partnering with the Kwazulu-Natal University in South Africa, The University of McGilland the Native Sexual Health Network.

This is a huge opportunity and I am honoured and thrilled to been given this opportunity. The aim of this initiative is to:
1. Provide valuable international work experiences for aboriginal youth.
2. Provide opportunities for a youth to increase their awareness, and contribute to Canada’s international development efforts, through participation in internships, with local partnering organizations.
3. Build the capacity of Aboriginal youth to promote Canada’s international development efforts both in Canada and abroad.

I will be documenting and researching the International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) Initiative. I am among three that represent Canadian Indigenous Youth in Durban, South Africa.There is also a chance I maybe able to participate with the possibility in the International World AIDS Conference, July 2016.
Please consider supporting me in this exciting opportunity. I look forward to
sharing my experience when I return!

In order to be able to participate in this new opportunity I need support. Most of my expenses to attend will be paid but I will need funding to cover expenses not covered.

This includes:

*Clothing  and personal items for trip 

*Responsibilities at home, while I am away (room & board)

*Pay down cell phone bill, and add International Plan/Wi-Fi access to call family and friends, and continue with any work in Canada, I may need to do

*Purchase of a new camera, converter for power, larger SD card, portable battery charger

*Making more room on my credit card for emergencies, extra excursion and sight seeing 

I need these amazing supported funds before and up to March/2016. I know we can do it, with many hands! 

I am very grateful for everyone who has supported me through many obstacles, challenges and endeavours.
I have been very blessed in my life to receive opportunities and life-changing experiences that have helped me become, stronger, wiser, and more confident. I have had alot of help but I have also had to do my own work, as I have been taught. 

I take pride in each achievement which includes public speaking, participating in research focusing on Indigenous and Racialized Youth, Media Training for Young Women and being crowned Miss Vancouver Island in 2010/2011 and placing second- runner up in the TeenCanada competition 2008/2010.

I have been giving to my community and volunteering, since the age of 8 about HIV/AIDS and other issues that affect our communities and Aboriginal Youth. I also have raised money for the Songhees Youth with a penny/coin drive and donated clothes, care packages as well as feed our homeless brothers and sisters in Victoria a few, over the past 11 years of living here.
 
I am so proud to be able to say thank you in advance for sharing, sending blessings and any donations made! I cannot tell you enough how excited I am to be in Durban, South Africa in just a few months! I feel deeply honoured and humbled to be selected to do this important work.