Hey Community :)

My name is Desiree, and I am thrilled to announce that this summer, I have the opportunity to volunteer with Regla SOUL in Latin America as part of their Farming and Sustainability program. This immersive learning experience will provide hands-on opportunities to engage with the local community, explore the culture, practice land stewardship, and study ecology from an Afro-Caribbean perspective with experienced guides. Most importantly, this experience will allow me to build lasting connections with purpose-driven people in a mutual learning environment.

This opportunity is significant to me because of Latin America's remarkable and varied history of using indigenous healing herbs for common ailments. In Fiji, we have a variety of medicinal plants such as noni, beach hibiscus, island musk, and kava. We have used and drank Kava in Hindu rituals since I was a child. These practices are vital for helping communities meet their needs and foster self-sufficiency. I am determined to learn these methods and share this valuable knowledge with others. I want to use these arts to improve my life and personal experience and inspire community sustainability. I hope to gain insights into the diverse lifestyles of locals, including their economics, religion, education, and farming practices. I am committed to exploring how these factors contribute to their resilience and sustainability. I plan to return with this knowledge to promote a greater understanding of these essential practices. This experience would enhance my knowledge, further my career as a community advocate, and better serve my community.

**Why Your Support Matters:**

While I am donating my time and skills to this project, there are travel and living costs associated with the trip, including:

- Round-trip airfare

- Accommodation and participation fees for my volunteer work

- Visa and passport expenses

These funds will allow me to focus fully on the mission, ensure the project's success, and immerse myself in learning and contributing to the community.

**How You Can Help:**

- **Donate:** Every contribution, big or small, will go directly towards covering the trip's costs. I sincerely appreciate any support you can provide!

- **Share:** If you can't donate, sharing this campaign with others can help me reach my goal. The more people who know about this cause, the better!

- **Follow Regla SOUL on Instagram to support their efforts.

This is an incredible opportunity for me to grow, learn, and make a lasting difference, and I would be honored to have your support on this journey. Thank you so much for your time, generosity, and encouragement. I can't wait to share the success stories from this amazing trip!

With gratitude,

Desiree <3