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In October 2014 I will be setting out alone for Guayquil Ecuador, to volunteer for 6 months for the Charity; Charlotte Miller Art Project. CMAP support disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and abroad, using art to help in their personal and social development, they do this by providing creative opportunities for them to explore, express and enjoy themselves through art.

CMAP chose just a few artists a year to continue their fantastic work, they are a small charity that cannot afford to pay for the artists selected, but in order to ensure that the right people are chosen for the job (rather than those who can simply afford to go..)they have partnered with ICYE (International cultural youth exchange) who work with young people, helping to support them in their voluntary projects overseas, as well as supporting young people abroad who wish to gain voluntary experience here in the UK, providing important life building opportunites to those who would not normally be exposed to them.

This means however I have a fairly large sum of money to raise to fund myself for the duration of the project, the sum covers local charity accommodation, visas, necessary pre- flight departure training as well as post arrival initiation, local travel and expenses as well as contributing to the ICYE programme that allows for the exchange of young people from outside to UK to come and work for similar projects.

Whilst away I will be working 40 hour weeks along with local Juconi people to ensure that the work provided and skills taught are relevant and as beneficial to the specific needs of the children attending 'club de arte' as possible. I will regularly contribute to their blog with photos and writing about the work I'll be doing should you wish to follow my journey.  I am learning Spanish as much as possible between now and October, working two jobs in order to save and contribute as much as I can as well as organising many fundraisers and selling work to help reach this target. The first two fundraisers 'ART PARTY 1 & 2' were great, the first in London made £295, the second in Brighton made an overwhelming £925 with thanks to many of my kind and talented friends who dj'd, made posters, sold tickets, supported and attended. 

Despite this I am still a way away from reaching the £5100 target, if you are so inclined and feeling generous please donate to this page and follow my progress working towards such a fantastic, exciting and challenging time for me. I firmly believe in the charity, and it will be no means easy but by utilising the skills I have learnt in the past 3 years (and previous) from my degree, as well as my experience working with children I hope to do something that might actually make a difference to the young people of Guayquil. 

Read more about CMAP here 

Emily