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Rosie Smith Penzance

Rosy Smith Cornwall Arts

Silent Auction Queens Hotel Penzance December 2008

This silent auction of my textile work is being held, in order to raise money for me to go to Mongolia with VSO, Global Exchange

This is a unique exchange programme which brings young people from the UK and other developing countries to live alongside each other and work together as volunteers for six months.
Global Exchange is a partnership between VSO and the British Council who are equally committed to the idea that international volunteer exchanges can help develop active global citizens, who are committed to working for positive change in their communities. As our world becomes ever more independent, it is essential that communities develop a global perspective and interact positively in a diverse world.

How does it work?
Each team is made up of 18 young people, 9 from the UK and 9 from an overseas partner country. The volunteers are recruited, and the teams are formed, to reflect diversity in teams of Geography, ethnicity, ability, education and gender. Each exchange is supported by 2 supervisors, one from each country.
Together, in cross-cultural counterpart pairs, the team live in host homes and work in host communities, for 3 months in the UK and 3 months overseas. The programme impacts most directly on the young people who volunteer; but its power extends to the people who hosts them, the community projects with which they work and the wider communities in which they live.
After being selected for Global Exchange, I found out I will be going to Mongolia in March, and Cumbria, UK, the following 3 months. Mongolia has many issues of poverty, many springing from bad harvests, causing thousands of2 children to be left on the streets. Cumbria also has poverty issues, in some areas nearly 50% of young people are claiming benefits.

Why have I chosen to do this?
I am currently an eighteen year old waitress here at the Queens Hotel in Penzance Cornwall. I have just finished my A-Levels, and will be starting University to do Geography in September; this is why I have chosen to do Global Exchange.
I hope Global Exchange will extend my knowledge, not only of different cultures and the wider world, but also of myself. I hope to learn about diversity within the UK, and in Mongolia; and hope to help with present issues in the areas.

So why the auction?
As VSO is a charity, I need to raise £600 as a small contribution, to the great amount of money this programme costs. This auction is part of my fundraising; the textile art within it is all work I have created within the past two years, inspired by many different themes and artists. All monies raised by this will go to the VSO to help fund volunteers.

My contact details:
Tel:01736360885/07902010015
Email:rosy-cherry@hotmail.com

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