Film, Photography and community volunteering in Nepal

Daphne Xulu Start Date: Nov 16, 2017 - End Date: Mar 15, 2018

My Travel Story

by: Daphne Xulu Start Date: Nov 16, 2017 - End Date: Mar 15, 2018
I am a 16 year old girl, and next year I would love to volunteer with Nepalese women who have experienced domestic abuse or been rejected by society. I have been accepted onto this trip, despite being under the age requirement. I am very lucky to have my place but money is my only obsticale. 

Until recently, I was a distinction film student and enrolled with the BFI (British Film Institute)'s Fiction Accademy in Newcastle. However, unfortunatley I experienced domestic abuse whilst studying and had to leave my course. This meant I had to move back to Cornwall where courses for film are scarce.

Being able to volunteer in Nepal would mean that I could use my passion for film to make a difference in people's lives. It would be amazing to use film/photography to theraputically help people who have experienced abuse and as this issue has also effeted me, it would mean I could heal by helping others heal. 

This opportunity would also benefit my education. As I had to leave my course mid-way through term, I would struggle to be accepted into any other colleges. Being able to spend my time volunteering, I would be able to gain hands-on experience with people and with filming equipment. This would be very valuable as I won't have any qualifications when I reach 18, but this opportunity would mean I'd have knowledge and experience filming. Therefore, in the future I could still pursue my passion at a higher level. If I was not able to go on this trip, it may mean I would struggle in the future to be accpeted onto film courses.
I am passionate about this project because I'd love for something good to stem out of a bad situation. If I were able to make a difference in womens lives and in the community I feel like I would grow as a person and have a deeper insight into what it means to be human and to live in a world of culture. I'm passionate about helping to change the lives of these women as I can relate (even if it's on a small scale) to how they feel, as domestic abuse has been an issue closely linked to my life and childhood. 

This project is deeply meaningful for me as it would be an opportunity that would benefit women who may feel abandoned and helpless. By volunteering to work with them, I'd hope to give them a platform in which to express themselves, and to give hope to those who have been disregarded.

Thank you so much for any donations and support, it means the world.