A 2nd Year Project.

Now that I've been at site for over a year, I'm a bit more respected within the community. Well, at least with the officials (who are the ones that really make or break you big project wise). It has made my 2nd year significantly easier, but also quite a bit busier. When we first become volunteers, I think the majority of us realize our bigger projects are held for the 2nd year because of the trust gained within the 1st year of just being bumbling, looking for volunteer work foreigners.

I've been committing my 2nd year of service to a couple bigger projects and ones that I hold close to my heart. The biggest project currently on my plate is Mingechevir's Environmental one. This idea has been months in the making. In November, Sitemate Andrea and I sat down with the idea of an Art Contest (which is currently being held citywide) promoting the environment and youth's role in it. This idea seemed like it could fit in beautifully with a mural project I'd been toying with since I arrived in this country (the winner of the Art Contest will be the basis for the city's mural). From there it grew a little bit more to include an Environmental Club (which me and Sitemate Sean will be teaching), utilization of the local newspaper to feature youth, and perhaps a couple little gardens. While we're upping the antes this year around, we're not forgetting the yearly Clean Up that past Ming volunteers began and continued.

Here's where we need you guys' help. The costs of this project is around $550. This will include all the supplies we need, majority being for the mural. We've actually gotten quite a bit of support from the community in kind wise including rooms for the club, some free labor, a wall for the mural, newspaper space, and some other things. I have tried my best to not ask for donations in the past, but if you can give a little, it will be thoroughly appreciated. And! Your donation is tax deductible... right on time, yeah?

If you'd like to donate, click here.