Ni Sa Bula Vinaka (hello) to you from Fiji! 

In April of this year, 10 young women in Fiji set about an important goal: to represent their country for the first time as a collegiate Model United Nations (MUN) team. 

What is MUN? Are they modelling for fashion magazines? No way, Jose! 

Model United Nations is an international society that brings students together to simulate United Nations assemblies and committees. They do this at international conferences, where students engage in researching, writing, negotiating, public speaking, debating, and more, to write mock resolutions to solve real-world problems. 

When I competed in MUN in University, I was unsure of what it would entail -- I knew there would be long hours cramming in knowledge about international diplomacy, but I didn't know that it would become one of the most formative experiences of my life. 

Our team has been selected to participate in the conference in Washington, DC this year. None of our team members have traveled to the United States before -- this will be the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Here's why this team is important: It's Fiji's first! And, bonus points,  it's an all-women's team!

Historically, gendered norms, behaviors and social relations have played a big part in disadvantaging women in government, particularly as international Ambassadors. This MUN team provides a space exclusively for women to break traditional boundaries of leadership and to explore using the power of their own voices to cause positive change in the world. 

Fiji experiences a great deal of institutionalized and systemic oppression of women. Furthermore, many Fijian students believe their voices are not being heard on the global stage. This MUN team is working to contribute to alleviating both of these issues. 

What I desperately need help with: Through a lot of hard work and rigorous fundraising, we have secured enough funding to pay for the airfare, conference registration, hotel accommodation, etc. But, we are still short of the funds needed for each team member to get a United States visa. 

The USA charges a whopping $160 per visa which is $336 Fijian dollars! Whoa nelly. 

Whereas our team members have been fundraising on their own to cover the cost of obtaining passports, luggage fees, calling cards, transport and food costs, we need your help securing the $160 per person visa fee. 

Can you help be one of my 64 donations of $25? 

Donors will get a personal thank-you postcard from Fiji signed by the team

Consider this: With a contribution of $25, you can help sponsor a young woman to reach her dreams. By attending this conference, she will elevate her voice to engage in real-life international diplomacy. This has positive ripple effects not only for Fiji as a whole, but for the entire world. 

Vinaka vakalevu (thank you) from the bottom of my heart,

Sara