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| Evan Bartlett |
students, Jennifer Bartlett, and I were chatting. She mentioned that her daughter, Evan, was hoping to travel to Tanzania in East Africa soon to do some outreach work. Evan graduated college in December and is working hard to earn money to support herself during the 12-month trip. Even though she'd be working, it would be no free ride. I was intrigued, and thought there might be a way our Focus Yoga community could help Evan. So, today I had a conversation with Evan about this project.
Me: Where exactly are you traveling, and when are you leaving?
Evan: I'm leaving August 19 and traveling to a village in Tanzania called Bombo Majimoto.
Me: And what sort of work are you doing there?
Evan: I'll be working with the villagers on agricultural development. The villagers tend to live season to season, subsisting only on what they grow on their land. We will be helping them develop projects to increase their economic security, such as selling their crops to bigger markets. This will help them develop security in case of a bad growing year, and help them expand their communications so they can benefit from the exchange of products and ideas.
Me: From where did you graduate?
Evan: I graduated from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. I have a degree in Political Science and History, and a minor in Business Administration.
Me: Why did you decide to offer a year of your time and energy, unpaid, to this project instead of hitting the pavement for a full time job?
Evan: For years I've had a strong desire to give back, and this gap between graduating college and starting a professional job seemed perfect to offer a full year of my time to do so.
Me: What is the organization you are working with on this project?
Evan: It's called "2Seeds Network". It's a non-profit. I really like this organization, as it offers more of a partnership with people, rather than a hand-out. It's a young organization, and doesn't have the resources to pay all the expenses to send people to Tanzania. But, we feel that the fundraising efforts we do helps to involve others in our mission.
Me: What are you raising funds for, exactly?
Evan: My flight and transportation while there, food, housing, health insurance, seeds, and equipment. A full year's worth of living expenses and items I'd need for my work.
Me: How much do you need to raise?
Evan: The organization suggests we raise $8000. This would cover my expenses for the year. However, I do not need all of that immediately; right now I have enough for my plane ticket and the first 6 months of living expenses.
Me: How did you decide on this project?
Evan: Well, I really decided on the organization. I really like 2Seeds Network, and I feel that even though I'll be working hard, the benefits I'll receive will far outweigh the investment. 2Seeds Network gave me personality tests and had me take surveys to help find the project they thought would be the best fit for me. I'm really excited about being able to do this.
Me: Focus also is always looking for ways we can give back, and helping you with your project seems perfect! On Wednesday, August 14, right before you leave, Focus will donate the income from our evening Open Yoga class toward your project. We'll even put out a donation jar, in case this speaks on a deeper level to a student, and they'd like to offer a little extra to your cause. This is the class your mom usually comes to. Can you take class with us that night so we can meet you?
Evan: Yep! That's sounds wonderful, and I really appreciate the help!
Come support Evan and the farmers of Bombo Majimoto on Wednesday, August 14 at 7:15pm. Here is a link to 2Seeds Network, so you can learn more about them. Click here
We hope to see you in class!
