Help Tusiata and Jo get to a world poetry event in Colombia safely

Talofa from Tusiata.

I've been invited to the 35th Medellin International Poetry Festival in Columbia, 5-12 July, 2025

https://www.festivaldepoesiademedellin.org/en/

Medellin is one of the most amazing poetry festivals in the world - particularly famous "…for showing how creativity, beauty, free expression and community can flourish amongst and overcome even deeply entrenched fear and violence...".

The festival has welcomed 1900 poets from 193 countries so far. This year I will be representing both New Zealand and Samoa, which is a huge honour.

However, I need to do some fundraising to get there. Because my health has worsened in the last 8 years (severe epilepsy) I can no longer travel alone. I can't count the number of festivals I've attended where I've had seizures and sometimes even ended up in hospital with head injuries from seizure falls.

Jo Ah Kuoi has travelled with me as my support person over the past five years which has made an enormous difference to my safety. This Give a Little is to help cover her airfare and insurance

(approximately $5,000 ).

If you are able, we would be so grateful for your support.

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Tusiata Avia MNZM

poet, writer, performer