Dear PHG members,
My name is Joss, and some of you may have met me last December at the Christmas gathering in St. Leonards. I'm a 24-year-old street photographer, on the cusp of my first big photography job. This September I will be joining a Raleigh International expedition to Costa Rica and Nicaragua as a volunteer manager/expedition photographer. In the run-up to the expedition, I aim to raise £2000 for the Raleigh International Trust. So without further ado...
Wait – you want me to pay for your holiday?
No! First of all, it most certainly isn't a holiday. It's work, 24/7, for three months. In a jungle, with very basic facilities and no alcohol. In the rainy season. Did I mention there's no alcohol?
Secondly, the money raised goes to the overall costs of Raleigh's operations worldwide, not specifically to me. £2000 is a nominal amount all volunteer managers are required to raise. I'm paying for my own flights and photographic kit (the costs of which are likely to be rather high).
So why Raleigh International?
Raleigh International is an excellent charity because it fulfils a twofold aim. Firstly, its expeditions involve long-term development work co-ordinated with local organisations and communities, covering everything from sanitation systems to community centres and reforestation. RI has a permanent presence in each host country – this is not a fly-by-night operation. In the case of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, they've been working with local organisations for ten years on dozens of different projects which wouldn't get done otherwise.
Secondly, it sends young people of all backgrounds (including scholarships for young people from deprived backgrounds) to carry out these projects with a view to developing their personal potential and fostering the next generation of global citizens. Young people are going to inherit the earth – the lessons learned on expedition are there to prepare them for this. Raleigh International is all about developing and investing in young people. I would never claim that laying artificial reefs or building a primary school will singlehandedly save the world, but teaching young people that these are worthwhile and noble things takes a long-term approach which may do just that.
Where do you come in?
I applied to Raleigh International initially as an interpreter, but was offered a place on an earlier expedition as a photographer once they'd seen my work. After two years as an amateur street-photographer, this is my first big job behind a lens. The photos I shoot will be published in the expedition magazine and used for Raleigh's marketing purposes both in the UK and in the host country, so with any luck this may be the proverbial foot in the door for similar work in the future.
And what's in it for me?
All being well you get to launch someone's career! Aside from the personal favour (or desire to exile me to Central America) you get a rather unique opportunity to see Raleigh's work through someone you can have personal contact with. The photographs of smiling kids that charities send you to thank you for donations? Well, I'm the guy that's going to be behind the camera, and will be able to personally tell you everything that we're up to and what a difference it's made.
OK. I'm convinced! Where do I sign away the contents of my bank account?
If you want to donate, £5 would be lovely, and anything more would be lovelier still. You can donate online quickly and easily on the following link.
If you're still unsure about donating, here is the link to Raleigh's site.
And, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask me and I'd be more than happy to help.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and I'll be in touch soon.
All the best,
- Joss
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar