Karen Van Staveren is looking forward to a summer of learning and helping others.
The Stayner resident is enrolled in a program called Beyond Borders at the University of Waterloo.
Beyond Borders students take two classes that focus on current world issues before doing a 90-day volunteer placement abroad.
As part of her studies, the 19-year-old will travel to Dominican Republic this summer where she will work with an organization called The Esperanza Project, a not-for-profit organization that provides schooling, as well as free summer camps for children in the area of Cabrera, keeping them out of drug trafficking and child labour rings.
Van Staveren is in her second year of a four-year Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in legal studies and minoring in international studies. She is leaning toward a career in international development.
In first year, she participated in a one-week program volunteering at an orphanage in Guatamala over reading week.
“I was looking for something more long term and so when they offered the Beyond Borders program, I thought it’s something that would be very interesting,” said Van Staveren.
“In order to discover more about yourself, you need to put yourself out of your comfort zone,” she said.
Leaving Stayner and going to university pushed her out of that comfort zone.
“The program really pushes me to do something different and to make an impact, something I wouldn’t necessarily have done when I was at home.”
Van Staveren is looking to raise $2,500 to help cover travel costs and make a donation to the organization.
She is also collecting school supplies and clothing to donate to The Esperanza Project.
Van Staveren will be helping to run the organization’s summer camp and lending a hand with activities at the end of the school year.
All monetary donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.sjubeyondborders2014-15.kintera.org. Click on sponsor a participant and search Karen Van Staveren.
Donations can also be made by calling Van Staveren at 705-441-4117, e-mailing kvanstaveren95@hotmail.com or in person at Stayner Rental.
Cheques are to be made out to St. Jerome’s University, a U of W affiliate.
Forms are available at Stayner Rental for those wishing to donate cash and get a tax receipt.