I was recently offered an amazing opportunity to be an intern with a non-profit called Common Tides. Their mission is to bring together volunteers whom are dedicated, creative, and unique individuals from all over the world for the benefit of children from different Caribbean nations. They provide a free hands-on marine science education program to give these children an experience which will help them gain a greater opportunity to learn, protect, and develop an increased understanding of their environment. I went through an application and interview process for this position and was selected to go to Belize for a month in August. For this position, I would be living on a sailing expedition in Belize that will offer free classes to Belizean schools on environmental awareness and marine biology. I would be teaching local children about the ocean and what they can do to protect it.

It is very important for citizens of countries with access to marine resources to understand how to use these resources responsibly. In Belize, there are problems with overfishing, coral bleaching, and habitat destruction. These problems could be remedied if the citizens are aware of the bigger issues that come as a result. A strong education in environmental and marine science could help these countries conserve these resources so that they can continue to benefit from them in the future.

I need help in raising the funds to be able to participate in this opportunity. This trip is out of my price range. The program fee for this expedition covers my room and board for the month and also ensures that the local children can receive these classes for free. I also need to pay for plane tickets to and from Belize. Any support you can offer is greatly appreciated. Not only would this be an invaluable experience for me, you would also be helping Belizean children and the ocean. The most important aspect about the volunteer program is I will be an integral part in teaching and providing a marine science and sailing program to children from Belize who would not have this opportunity otherwise! Your donation will not only have a lasting effect on me, but will help change the lives and opportunities of many children.