Fulfilling a dream is rare and precious gift. Next week I’m going to put flesh on the bones of one of my long time dreams. For many years, I have wanted to visit Africa. On Thursday November 17th I’ll board a plane here in Ottawa to begin the journey of making that dream a reality.
What Am I Up To?
Well, in simple terms, I’m volunteering with a new not for profit (Charity status pending) called “Rule of Thirds“. I’ll be teaching basic photography, workflow and editing to a small group of students aged 14 to 19 at Sparrow Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa. This first trip is about getting things off the ground and doing lots of hands on training. We won’t stop there. We’re aiming to continue to mentor these youth via the internet as well as providing local supervision and instruction – Rule of Thirds will be forming its first internet-based mentoring collaboration.
“Rule of Thirds is a new collaborative effort that helps artists around the world to train, mentor and equip photographers, illustrators, and videographers in developing countries so they can take advantage of the huge user-generated online marketplace to earn a living through their art.”
I’m looking forward to connecting with the students, sharing and receiving knowledge, partnering with my colleagues and the teachers at the school. I’m also egger to soak in and experience the South African culture. This rare opportunity is already affecting me and I can hardly wait to get my feet on the ground and watch these students blossom.
Why Am I Doing It?
Because I truly believe that one man, one woman or one child can make a difference. In the grand scheme of things it may seem small, even insignificant that I’m making this effort. But, in the life of the students I will get to interact with and perhaps even more in my life, this experience will not be small or insignificant. This will be a worldview altering, hope enriching and life changing adventure.
How You Can Help!
It costs a lot to make a trip like this happen. It’s not a business trip and I’m not making any money. In fact it’ll end up costing me. You can help! I’d gratefully receive any donations you want to make toward my trip. It’s an investment into the lives and communities of young men and women who in turn, can pay it forward. Thank you for your help!
Below is a secure PayPal donation button that will allow you to donate to this life changing trip. No PayPal account is required and you can use your credit card.
At the moment, Rule of Thirds charitable status is pending so they won’t be able to issue you a tax receipt. I’ll be receiving the funds personally and using them toward trip costs and any surplus will go into the Rule of Thirds general fund so they can keep doing this fantastic work.
Below is a brochure that my peeps at Rule of Thirds put together. Click on it to view the full sized version.
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