Jan's JUMP for STEP!

When I first heard about STEP I was struck by how many young people and children are robbed of their childhoods and it made me see just how privileged my children, and the children around them, are. I couldn’t see a better reason to push my own limits, raise money and, most importantly, raise awareness of this astounding charity.

Many of the young people and children STEP work with in Iraq are forced out of their comfort zone on a daily basis, a place we all like to remain! Many are forced to leave their communities through conflict, they have been uprooted and have had school and daily life abruptly interrupted. STEP seeks to protect the most vulnerable children in ways that become locally sustainable working with professionals and the children themselves to secure better child protection systems in Iraq.

I have therefore decided to STEP, or more accurately JUMP, out of my comfort zone and out of an aeroplane!

One of the initiatives STEP have worked on with some of the older children working in the market was to take them out rock climbing for the day. This was to help with developing confidence, team building skills and give a sense of responsibility. These are also a key group for peace building to give them skills for the future. The drop in centre has also been doing great work - recently giving skills to the children about speaking out as well as education and fun activities. In the camp the team have organised a support meeting for families and children with special needs to support each other more. There is so much work going on and so much that is still needed but the impact of the project is so tangible that it is a real encouragement.

What an amazing charity and worthy cause!!

PLEASE NOTE: All monies raised will go to STEP. The jump, together with associated costs, will be fully funded by myself