Mission to South Asia

`Pour your life into something more than self-interest. Commit to a purpose that will OUTLIVE you.` It is with the quote in mind that I accepted a voluntary position with International Justice Mission, beginning in just two months. I was interviewed by IJM, an American based human rights organisation which specifically aims to combat human trafficking, slavery, sexual violence, corruption, and illegal detention by offering free legal, investigative and social services to victims, in January and was offered a position in Nairobi, Kenya. After 5 months of mentally preparing for Kenya, the organisation decided to pull all of its interns and fellows out of Nairobi because it was simply too dangerous. Al Queda sect Al Shabaab have been ruthlessly carrying out random attacks in and around Kenya and there was no way to predict where they would attack next. My safety was not guaranteed. The organisation gave me the option of not going at all or starting again and going somewhere else. I had already raised just over $1000 on my Mission2Kenya page and felt I owed it to the people who had supported me to still work with this organisation. And so a month later, I was offered 3 opportunities in India- Mumbai, Chennai and Dehli. After careful consideration, I was interviewed and offered a communications fellowship in Mumbai. This position is going to be tough. While all the other departments in the Mumbai office have various people helping out and doing different tasks, the communications department consists of just one person- ME. But in a situation like human trafficking, communication is so, so important. People need to know that this is happening right under their noses. People need to know how to recognise the signs and what to do if they suspect human trafficking is happening. The more people know about human trafficking, the better and so this is where my journalism skills come in. During my year in Mumbai, I intend to spend as much time as possible getting the word out there that trafficking- especially of children, is happening and there is something people can do about it. IJM Mumbai is investing their resources into case work- prosecuting and shutting down traffickers; and training police in how to recognise and deal with traffickers. My goal will be to raise $1000 a month for the next year. The money will go toward helping me live and work in Mumbai for the year. This role is entirely voluntary and so I must pay for all flights, visas, housing, insurance, medical and general living expenses. I might be the hands on the ground, but without your help, I could not be doing this work. Thank you so much for your donation. All the best, Tania