MissionTrip: Latvia Youth Education
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THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
Hello! My name is Farren Crisp. I’m a little human in a big world trying to do big things. I like to do handstands and help others whenever possible. I believe in kindness.
In 2009, I graduated with my BA in Communications, but found myself still in search of my calling. I grew impatient and instead of looking within, I became distracted, learning a lot of lessons along the way.
Then I found yoga, which led me to patience with myself, others, and the world. It was not an easy or quick journey. Over the past few years I began soul-searching, accepting, letting-go, forgiving myself, practicing self-love, falling, getting back up, and growing. This process made me realize where my heart lies, and that is being a big sister.
I didn’t even know it before, but ever since I was 5, and my first sister was born, I have felt a connection to helping not only Melissa, but children in general. When I was 9, she passed away, and although we felt lost and hurt, the pain grew into something greater, empathy. It was the beginning of something beautiful because I knew her spirit would live within my heart forever.
When I was 13, my second sister, Anna, was born and she became my entire world. I wanted to be someone she could look up to and help her discover. Ever since then I have felt a connection with kids, feeling like a big kid myself.
I was wide awake. I finally knew what I wanted to do. I want to bring positive changes to the world and everyone in it. In order to do that, I feel the best way is to enhance the lives of our youth, the future of our planet. I want to make children feel happy, loved, and important so they may grow into loving and happy adults. I want to help them learn about the Earth and everything in it, how to love themselves and others, and how to grow.
Last year, while becoming certified to teach yoga, I also began substitute teaching for the local elementary schools and now I’m hooked. Every single child in all my classes is different and yet the same, full of energy and creativity, eagerness to learn, saying exactly what popped into their heads, and curiosity. I love it. They have inspired me in so many ways.
I have decided I want to become registered in children’s yoga, and eventually open a youth wellness center where they can come and learn about the importance of community, meditation, yoga, and even how to grow food. I also want to become a guidance counselor for grades K-8, and plan on returning to school, but wanted to find a way to help now.
Beginning in April, I will be spending my Tuesdays at the local Children’s Hospital in Augusta, Georgia volunteering in the Pediatric ICU. I hope I can bring love and strength to the lives of these families, and maybe a few smiles to the childrens' faces. I want to help them through their difficult times, be someone who can empathize, a tiny light in their darkness.
Now my heart has been called in yet another direction, which brings us here.
109 WORLD
Rachel Brathen is not only my inspiration on my yoga mat, but in my life. Also coming from a difficult past, she has turned her pain into helping others, and has started a campaign to help address many issues around the world.
109 World was created to make use of what we have to create a positive change. There are 7 mission trips for those who would like to gain hands-on experience in making these powerful and positive impacts around the globe. During these trips, yoga will be coupled with awareness raising activities and hands-on work to get a closer look at how dedication, unity, and love can help alleviate some of the problems many face each day. One of these mission trips is dedicated to education and the details were released last month. Please take a moment to watch this video that introduces the project.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela
109 Education
"Can you imagine not being able to read this sentence?
250 million children can’t. What does 250 million mean exactly? The cost of 250 million children around the world not learning basic skills translates into a loss of an estimated US$129 billion per year. More than 171 million people could escape poverty if all students in low-income schools had basic reading skills.
Education empowers the individual to seize the opportunities that this world has to offer. Investing in high-quality schooling creates equal opportunities for all. Learning from the early years to at least the end of upper secondary school is the key to many of today’s challenges, including reducing poverty, establishing gender equality, generating a sustainable future for our planet, preventing deaths and illness, and fostering peace.
Education is the strongest building block we have in strengthening communities long term around the world. If we want the next generation to be equipped with the necessary tools to tackle life's challenges and become innovative citizens of the world, a proper education is absolutely crucial.
Education impacts every area of life. A lack of quality education can lead to: health and sanitation issues, gender inequality, lack of qualified teachers, familial economic instability and infrastructure challenges. Imagine then what a good education can lead to!!
There are several reasons to why we chose Latvia as our next destination.
It is a country that historically has been struggling with poverty but that is now buzzing with energy. The leftovers from the Soviet Union and more recently the financial crisis has had its imprint but the Latvian people's willingness to combat these negative consequences are tremendous. It is also an incredibly beautiful country, full of culture, city life, nature and movement.
However, Latvia is one of the poorest countries within the European Union and a country that struggles with high unemployment and poverty. A third of the population live under risk of poverty or social exclusion, something that has deeply affected the family way of life. Alcoholism, crime, and abuse is far too common, causing parents to abandon their children. These children are most often placed in state-run institutions that do not have the proper resources to fully take care of them and most importantly: prepare them for independent living. Most children have to leave after elementary school at the age of 15 and then have nowhere to go and no education that will lead to a decent job. The result – history repeats itself.
We cannot break this vicious cycle without giving the next generation the necessary tools to develop into loving individuals with ambitions to thrive.
Latvia is in a stage of real progress and it is now, more than ever, important that investments are made right. Providing education for the next generation of citizens is one component where we aim to help as much as we can."
The Goal
"At 109, our goal is to actively work to raise awareness for an issue that is unquestionably relevant to us all. We strive to strengthen each individual’s capacity to respond to recession and contribute to economic growth and social wellbeing by supporting education and equal opportunities for high-quality schooling.
We aim to invest in education to give children the prerequisites for a prosperous future."
To reach our goal, we have set different milestones that will allow us to create positive change depending on how much funding we are able to raise.
1. If we raise $8,000, we will be able to renovate and provide necessary material for the orphanage of Gauijena we visited in August 2015. Up to 17 children will then get a safer, more loving environment with their basic needs covered.
2. If we reach $20,000 we will be able to do the above and make sure that one child will receive a four-year education preparing them for independent and sustainable living.
3. If we reach $60,000, we will be to do the above but provide another four students with a proper education and mentoring thanks to the beautiful organisations Livslust and SOS Children’s Village Latvia.
ALL profits from trip go to the cause.
Mission Trip
We will be staying in Jurmala from May 26-30. The total cost for the trip is $1,850.
I have already paid the 20% deposit of $370 to hold my spot for the mission, but the remaining $1,480 is due Friday April 8th.
The least expensive round-trip plane ticket I was able to find is $1,000 which I will purchase also on April 8th.
I have been wanting to go on a mission trip badly for a few years now. To be able to gain experience helping others hands-on would be a dream come true. It fills my heart with joy imagining the smiles this mission will bring to all of these children's faces. It would simply be life-changing and means the absolute world to me.
Although I plan on working and saving as much as possible over the next month, I don't think I will be able to raise the $2,500 I will need in time. It's not an easy thing for me to do but, I am asking for help, not only for me, but for these kids. If I happen to be able to save/raise more than I need, I will be donating the rest to the cause.
If I get the chance to be a part of this amazing journey I would be so incredibly thankful to each and every person who helped along the way. Helping others and making a difference is the most rewarding feeling and I want to share it with the world. I just feel like I was made for this opportunity and would be grateful for it for the rest of my life.
Thank you so much for your time, have a beautiful day, and remember, we have the power to change the world.
Helpful links:
109 World homepage
109 Education
109 World Facebook page
109 World Donations
Hello! My name is Farren Crisp. I’m a little human in a big world trying to do big things. I like to do handstands and help others whenever possible. I believe in kindness.
In 2009, I graduated with my BA in Communications, but found myself still in search of my calling. I grew impatient and instead of looking within, I became distracted, learning a lot of lessons along the way.
Then I found yoga, which led me to patience with myself, others, and the world. It was not an easy or quick journey. Over the past few years I began soul-searching, accepting, letting-go, forgiving myself, practicing self-love, falling, getting back up, and growing. This process made me realize where my heart lies, and that is being a big sister.
I didn’t even know it before, but ever since I was 5, and my first sister was born, I have felt a connection to helping not only Melissa, but children in general. When I was 9, she passed away, and although we felt lost and hurt, the pain grew into something greater, empathy. It was the beginning of something beautiful because I knew her spirit would live within my heart forever.
When I was 13, my second sister, Anna, was born and she became my entire world. I wanted to be someone she could look up to and help her discover. Ever since then I have felt a connection with kids, feeling like a big kid myself.
I was wide awake. I finally knew what I wanted to do. I want to bring positive changes to the world and everyone in it. In order to do that, I feel the best way is to enhance the lives of our youth, the future of our planet. I want to make children feel happy, loved, and important so they may grow into loving and happy adults. I want to help them learn about the Earth and everything in it, how to love themselves and others, and how to grow.
Last year, while becoming certified to teach yoga, I also began substitute teaching for the local elementary schools and now I’m hooked. Every single child in all my classes is different and yet the same, full of energy and creativity, eagerness to learn, saying exactly what popped into their heads, and curiosity. I love it. They have inspired me in so many ways.
I have decided I want to become registered in children’s yoga, and eventually open a youth wellness center where they can come and learn about the importance of community, meditation, yoga, and even how to grow food. I also want to become a guidance counselor for grades K-8, and plan on returning to school, but wanted to find a way to help now.
Beginning in April, I will be spending my Tuesdays at the local Children’s Hospital in Augusta, Georgia volunteering in the Pediatric ICU. I hope I can bring love and strength to the lives of these families, and maybe a few smiles to the childrens' faces. I want to help them through their difficult times, be someone who can empathize, a tiny light in their darkness.
Now my heart has been called in yet another direction, which brings us here.
109 WORLD
Rachel Brathen is not only my inspiration on my yoga mat, but in my life. Also coming from a difficult past, she has turned her pain into helping others, and has started a campaign to help address many issues around the world.
109 World was created to make use of what we have to create a positive change. There are 7 mission trips for those who would like to gain hands-on experience in making these powerful and positive impacts around the globe. During these trips, yoga will be coupled with awareness raising activities and hands-on work to get a closer look at how dedication, unity, and love can help alleviate some of the problems many face each day. One of these mission trips is dedicated to education and the details were released last month. Please take a moment to watch this video that introduces the project.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela
109 Education
"Can you imagine not being able to read this sentence?
250 million children can’t. What does 250 million mean exactly? The cost of 250 million children around the world not learning basic skills translates into a loss of an estimated US$129 billion per year. More than 171 million people could escape poverty if all students in low-income schools had basic reading skills.
Education empowers the individual to seize the opportunities that this world has to offer. Investing in high-quality schooling creates equal opportunities for all. Learning from the early years to at least the end of upper secondary school is the key to many of today’s challenges, including reducing poverty, establishing gender equality, generating a sustainable future for our planet, preventing deaths and illness, and fostering peace.
Education is the strongest building block we have in strengthening communities long term around the world. If we want the next generation to be equipped with the necessary tools to tackle life's challenges and become innovative citizens of the world, a proper education is absolutely crucial.
Education impacts every area of life. A lack of quality education can lead to: health and sanitation issues, gender inequality, lack of qualified teachers, familial economic instability and infrastructure challenges. Imagine then what a good education can lead to!!
There are several reasons to why we chose Latvia as our next destination.
It is a country that historically has been struggling with poverty but that is now buzzing with energy. The leftovers from the Soviet Union and more recently the financial crisis has had its imprint but the Latvian people's willingness to combat these negative consequences are tremendous. It is also an incredibly beautiful country, full of culture, city life, nature and movement.
However, Latvia is one of the poorest countries within the European Union and a country that struggles with high unemployment and poverty. A third of the population live under risk of poverty or social exclusion, something that has deeply affected the family way of life. Alcoholism, crime, and abuse is far too common, causing parents to abandon their children. These children are most often placed in state-run institutions that do not have the proper resources to fully take care of them and most importantly: prepare them for independent living. Most children have to leave after elementary school at the age of 15 and then have nowhere to go and no education that will lead to a decent job. The result – history repeats itself.
We cannot break this vicious cycle without giving the next generation the necessary tools to develop into loving individuals with ambitions to thrive.
Latvia is in a stage of real progress and it is now, more than ever, important that investments are made right. Providing education for the next generation of citizens is one component where we aim to help as much as we can."
The Goal
"At 109, our goal is to actively work to raise awareness for an issue that is unquestionably relevant to us all. We strive to strengthen each individual’s capacity to respond to recession and contribute to economic growth and social wellbeing by supporting education and equal opportunities for high-quality schooling.
We aim to invest in education to give children the prerequisites for a prosperous future."
To reach our goal, we have set different milestones that will allow us to create positive change depending on how much funding we are able to raise.
1. If we raise $8,000, we will be able to renovate and provide necessary material for the orphanage of Gauijena we visited in August 2015. Up to 17 children will then get a safer, more loving environment with their basic needs covered.
2. If we reach $20,000 we will be able to do the above and make sure that one child will receive a four-year education preparing them for independent and sustainable living.
3. If we reach $60,000, we will be to do the above but provide another four students with a proper education and mentoring thanks to the beautiful organisations Livslust and SOS Children’s Village Latvia.
ALL profits from trip go to the cause.
Mission Trip
We will be staying in Jurmala from May 26-30. The total cost for the trip is $1,850.
I have already paid the 20% deposit of $370 to hold my spot for the mission, but the remaining $1,480 is due Friday April 8th.
The least expensive round-trip plane ticket I was able to find is $1,000 which I will purchase also on April 8th.
I have been wanting to go on a mission trip badly for a few years now. To be able to gain experience helping others hands-on would be a dream come true. It fills my heart with joy imagining the smiles this mission will bring to all of these children's faces. It would simply be life-changing and means the absolute world to me.
Although I plan on working and saving as much as possible over the next month, I don't think I will be able to raise the $2,500 I will need in time. It's not an easy thing for me to do but, I am asking for help, not only for me, but for these kids. If I happen to be able to save/raise more than I need, I will be donating the rest to the cause.
If I get the chance to be a part of this amazing journey I would be so incredibly thankful to each and every person who helped along the way. Helping others and making a difference is the most rewarding feeling and I want to share it with the world. I just feel like I was made for this opportunity and would be grateful for it for the rest of my life.
Thank you so much for your time, have a beautiful day, and remember, we have the power to change the world.
Helpful links:
109 World homepage
109 Education
109 World Facebook page
109 World Donations
Organiser
Farren D Crisp
Organiser
New Ellenton, SC