Whilst Mexico is doing seemingly well economically compared to many other countries in Latin America, research suggests that the gap between rich and poor is ever growing. Mexico's Human Development Index (HDI) is only 0.7164 which is comparable to India and some countries in Africa. Currently, around 50% of the population live bellow the poverty line. In the state of Oaxaca alone over 76% of the population live in extreme poverty, lacking basic necessities such as food, water, education and healthcare. Over 33% of the population is indigenous and it is among these groups that the deepest levels of social and economic marginalization prevail.



Working to address inequality and to alleviate the impact of such extreme poverty is an independent, nongovernmental, nonprofit organisation called SiKanda. Since 2009 Sikanda has been involved in the design and implementation of programs that fight poverty and promote human and social rights in highly marginalised communities. Sikanda has worked closely with the “Trash-pickers” community, people who live and work in trash dumps recycling the garbage of Oaxaca and in communities with high rates of malnutrition, unemployment and discrimination. Sikanda assists these communities through participatory development programmes that grow out of consultation and collaboration with community members. Projects include things such as building eco-houses out of recycled materials, community education in sustainable farming and nutrition, advocacy in human rights, and other poverty reduction programs. Since 2009 aproximately 1700 people have benefited from workshops in recycling, water storage, sustainable community farming, and the use of ecologically appropriate technologies. 



Sikanda aspires to create a world in which different sectors of society, both national and international, cooperate to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged peoples through a process of mutual learning, responsibility, and justice while respecting the rights of all people to make their own decisions with regard to their lifestyles. One of the ways in which Sikanda is collaborating is to invite qualified volunteers from around the world to work with Sikanda to further develop their projects and to assist them in their programs. 



This is where I come in! For those of you who don't know me already, my name is Jasmine. I am 30 years old and I live in Brisbane. I am a passionate activist and over the years I have been involved in many different campaigns pertaining to social and environmental justice. In 2013 I completed a degree in International Politics and Development, this degree equipped me with the skills to work internationally, assisting in community development and other humanitarian projects. It has always been my dream to work for a humanitarian organisation that supports sustainable, empowering and participatory development, and thus when I completed my degree I decided I would spend some time volunteering with such an organisation. 



Having spent a lot of time in Latin America not only have I learnt spanish I have also developed a good understanding of Latin American culture and Politics. Thus it only makes sense that I should volunteer for an organisation in Latin America. I was absolutely thrilled when Sikanda responded to my interview with an offer to become part of their team as an Assistant Program Co-ordinator.



On the 24th of April I fly to Oaxaca



I will stay working at Sikanda for a minimum of 6 months. My responsibilities will include project monitoring and evaluation, community consultation and project development, event organisation and information sharing at seminars and other community events. 



As funding is limited, Sikanda is unable to pay their volunteers, or even to cover their living expenses. Thus I have started this Pozible cause! I am hoping that YOU will help me to support this organisation by donating to my cause! The more money I raise the longer I will be able to stay volunteering, to help Sikanda develop their community development projects and positively contribute to making change in communities that are suffering from extreme poverty. 

There are many costs associated with volunteering, such as flights, insurance, vaccinations and daily living expenses such as food, accommodation and transport. 



Sikanda advises that for a volunteer basic living expenses include:

Accommodation $200-$250 Per month
Food $200-$300 Per month
Transport $30- 40 per month
Phone/Internet/electricity $50 per month
Insurance $85 per month

Total = $565 - $725 Per month

Unfortunately, Sikanda does not currently posses the funds to cover the living expenses of their volunteers and thus volunteers are responsible to pay for these expenses themselves. Any money that is raised during this Pozible campaign will go directly towards covering these costs. The more money that is raised, the longer I will be able to volunteer with Sikanda and help them with their project development.

TICKETS ARE BOUGHT AND I AM GOING NO MATTER WHAT!!



However, I imagine there will be some challenges along the way.

My spanish is pretty rusty after not having used it for a few years and all of my work at Sikanda will ned to be conducted in Spanish. Thus, I am going to have to brush up on my Spanish quick smart! Reading and writing are my weak points, yet as i found during my application process the invention of online translators has made that task much easier. In preparation, I am having plenty of conversations with myself in front of the mirror in spanish :)

There will be logistical challenges such as starting work in a new field, learning the ropes of a new organisation and figuring out what it is I can offer the organisation with my skill set. Finding accommodation and ensuring I can sustain myself financially, with no income, will also no doubt be challenging. 

Perhaps some of the biggest challenges however will be emotional. Moving to a new country where I don't know anybody, leaving my friends and family, working in impoverished communities, and experiencing first hand the adversity of poverty will at times be overwhelming I am sure.

I truly believe however that it is these challenges in life that makes life worth living. These challenges are what will make this journey a truly rewarding experience. I am an incredibly adaptable person, I have good problem solving skills and I am strong. I trust that I will be able to overcome any challenge that arises and I will endeavour to learn and grow from them as best I can.