Acid Attacks

Hey!

My name is Lola Ó Neill, and from the moment I stepped foot in India, I knew I wanted to make a difference to as many lives there as I could. Over 12 years ago, I signed up as a volunteer teacher at a school in deepest Rajasthan. The children had no shoes, threadbare clothes, no toys and yet the biggest smiles I had ever seen. From my first day I promised the headmaster Devender, that I would return to the school every year and do the best I could to help support the children and teachers. I keep my promise and each year donate everything from sports equipment to classroom support to toys and shoes. This work inspired me to begin Beyond Skin Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting those most in need and has become part of my life's mission to help transform lives.

In 2018, on a trip to Kolkata I saw a girl begging with horrific scars to her face and missing an eye. She had been attacked by acid, because of a marriage refusal when she was 13. Her family disowned her and she was left to beg on the streets. This began my latest mission to provide therapy, vocational training and mentorship to acid survivors in India and women who have suffered domestic violence. The programs are challenging with most acid survivors attempting suicide multiple times. We are here to support them in re-claiming their lives and to live their potential regardless of their deep physical and emotional scars. They are some of the most inspiring women I have ever had the honour to teach and coach.

Even though the Indian government and the Supreme Court of India have taken steps to curb the crime, India still records the most prominent annual number of acid assaults worldwide. Every year, there are approximately 1500 reported cases worldwide, with about 1000 occurring in India. I'm now returning to India to run two of our biggest projects to-date.

Firstly, I plan to run a project with survivors of domestic abuse and acid attacks. I will train and coach these amazing women and link them to employment within their chosen area. This project requires teachers, training space, materials and counselors. My ultimate dream for acid survivors is to arrange surgery with the best surgeons who specialize in burn victims.

Our next project in February 2023, will be returning to my school in Rajasthan to build a school playground, provide a full sports equipment and to provide a fully functional tech room with access to online training programs.

I have established this GoFundMe campaign in the hopes of raising £20,000 for both projects starting in January 2023. I will be travelling to India and run both projects alongside a handful of incredible volunteers who help make this magic happen!

'Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering. Nothing. Not career, not wealth, not intelligence, and certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we're going to survive with dignity' - Audrey Hepburn

Those who have survived an acid attack or other form of burn can feel rejected by society, their families, and even themselves if they are not provided with the proper treatment and support. As a result of the extreme deformity, survivors are sometimes viewed as though they are social outcasts.

However, at Beyond Skin Foundation, we warmly welcome women who have survived traumatic experiences such as abuse, slavery, or acid attacks.

We help them help survivors restore their inner strength, personal sense of beauty, and human dignity by providing them with coaching, mentorship, and training to become self-sufficient, educated, and supported.

My goal is to establish a neighborhood where everyone can work together to support one another in overcoming unprecedented challenges so that one day, those individuals can offer the same assistance to others. My wish and dedication is to help bring about revolutionary change and genuine independence. Even though I've spent the last 12 years working with active survivors and school children, this is the first time I've ever organized a fundraising event and reaching out to you all for your assistance with our next project.

• We will provide access to online training programs

• We will build a school playground

• Teaching English & Play Therapy

We ask that you donate what you can and join us in our efforts to educate female survivors and the upgrading of the school. Though we would love for you to be a part of this life-altering event, we believe we can make this dream a reality by working together. Since donations are eligible for a tax deduction, even the smallest amount makes a difference. Thus, your assistance, regardless of its size, is much appreciated and will aid YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

If you want further information, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at https://beyondskinfoundation.org

Thank you in advance for your precious time and thoughtful consideration. Every penny counts.

Love Lola x