Mina's World of Opportunity

Me with Agricultural Extension Workers Mrs. Jenny

UPDATE: I recently found out that I've been selected to go back overseas with EWB in August 2010 on a long-term (2 yr.) placement!! Your support means more now than ever!! Please be generous and help me reach my goal in the next 5 days! I know we can make it happen!!

Check out this crazy rap remix for the World of Opportunity Campaign

Mo Money Mo Opportunity

Also check out my second campaign video here

3 Reasons why you should build a World of Opportunity

Incredible people!!! (that’s you!)

Last December, in just 2 weeks, with the help of incredible family and friends, I raised over $1300 for Engineers Without Borders (EWB); an organization that continues to give me hope in creating a world without extreme poverty, injustice and inequality. Across Canada, and throughout Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, and Burkina Faso EWB volunteers are working tirelessly to create a World of Opportunity for rural Africans. Finding innovative solutions to challenging development problems, EWB volunteers are passionate, committed, and optimistic. I am motivated by EWB's focus on agriculture - the cornerstone of most African economies. EWB is working to increase opportunities for farmers to gain the business skills and knowledge they need to make a viable income from their humble plots of land.

I have been working with EWB for the past 3 years, in various roles at the University of Toronto Chapter, and also as an overseas volunteer in Zambia in 2008. Most of you have certainly heard my stories about living in Kambinda Village in Mongu, Zambia, or about the work that I am doing as Co-President of the UofT Chapter this year. I can say with all sincerity, and honesty that I have yet to meet such an incredible group of individuals dedicated to creating a more socially just world. EWBers have advocated for Canadian foreign policy change that will improve aid effectiveness, engaged engineering faculties across the country on the role of an engineer as a servant of society, and connected Canadians to African producers through Fair Trade Certified products!

This holiday season, I am asking you to think critically about your role in the global community. I am challenging you to think of yourself as a global citizen – someone who is connected to the millions of individuals who are working hard to lift themselves out of poverty. I believe that EWB is a powerful vehicle for creating positive change in rural Africa. We are seeking to increase our impact in 2010 – by doubling our volunteer capacity and flexibility to innovate. I know that we will use your donation effectively (Where your $ goes!), and continue to make great things happen. As such, I am committing to raising $5000 for EWB in 6 weeks, but I need your help!

By supporting my World of Opportunity campaign you are not only contributing directly to the work that EWB is doing in agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa, but you are refusing to be complacent and apathetic in a world where there is so much potential to create positive social change. I hope this is your first step towards a lifelong commitment to challenge the status quo, and to lead the fight against extreme poverty. Extreme poverty is not inevitable, you are capable of creating massive change!

I thank you in advance for your support! Even if it’s only $5, it means a lot and can make a huge difference, so don’t hesitate to drink one less beverage from an overpriced coffee shop today! With every donation, we are working in solidarity to have a positive impact in this world!

Take care!