I am going to Burkina Faso (Central West Africa) in May 2009 - as part of a volunteer work team. I will leave Toronto in early May and return June 1, 2009.

Immediately after graduation in 2009 I have decided to volunteer in Burkina Faso (Central West-Africa) as part of McMaster University’s Global Youth Network work team. While in Burkina Faso, as part of this team I will be working with street youth, helping in HIV/AIDS clinics, and working alongside widows and children in a mango factory.

As a result of this trip I hope to have experiences that will increase my confidence in my ability to make a difference in the world. Also to encourage and develop leadership skills and offer valuable work and educational experience that will better help me determine my future career focus.

Generally speaking these short-term trips serve to inspire Canadian youth toward effecting change in their own communities and to continue to stay connected to the world. The Team Travel programs also allow Global Youth Network to sustain relationships with its international partners thereby keeping its commitment to long-term development.

Each team member is asked to raise $3500 to cover a portion of the team’s expenses of transportation, accommodation, meals, and training. I am grateful for the many contributions already received toward almost two-thirds of the fundraising goal. If you are able to support me in this effort, your gifts should be mailed directly to the Global Youth Network office at Box 26100, 25 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario. N2H 6T4 . CHEQUES SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO ‘GLOBAL YOUTH NETWORK’. GLOBAL YOUTH NETWORK is Registered Charity # 852077163RR0001 PLEASE NOTE DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ANYWHERE ON THE CHEQUE, just include my name (Nataleah Hunter-Young) on the donor slip and send it with your cheque. Please also note they are unable to accept post-dated cheques. You can also make your donation online through their website www.globalyouthnetwork.ca by clicking on the “Donate Now” icon. If making a donation online, please include your name and address. Tax receipts are available for all gifts of $15.00 or more. Any support you are able to offer will be greatly appreciated. Please do what you can …and thank you. Nataleah.