Corner Brook -
Kate Kawaja just wants to make a difference.
The Corner Brook native recently landed a social placement with Volunteer Abroad, a Canadian-based organization committed to providing aid to underprivileged citizens in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Kawaja's placement will be in Costa Rica from Jan. 7 - March 4, and while she isn't yet sure where she will be, there's virtually no limit to the kind of work the recent Memorial University graduate could be doing once in the Central American nation, which has some 300,000 children living in poverty.
"I could be helping build churches and community centres for kids," Kawaja said. "I could be teaching English to kids. I have an English and Sociology degree, so that really works with my skills and background. Child care is a big thing because there's a lot of single mothers in Costa Rica. They need people to help mind the children while they go out and look for jobs.
"There's a lot of group homes there for kids who've been orphaned or removed from their homes due to abuse. I could be doing any combination of a lot of these things."
A self-described feminist who believes strongly in women's rights and someone who's already visited the area, she said volunteer work is something she's becoming increasingly passionate about.
"I felt this pull towards it that I hadn't really toward anything else, so I immediately sent them an application and was accepted," she said. "I traveled through Latin America about three years ago, and fell in love with it; the people are just amazing. To be able to go back in this positive capacity, I'm really grateful to have that chance."
Like many recent graduates, the 24-year-old admits she felt overwhelmed at the prospect of weighing her options and deciding which career path to take. However, since accepting this position and planning the trip, she said she's thinking more and more about doing her master's degree in international development.
Whatever direction her career takes her, as someone who's had the fortune of a good upbringing, she said it's important to offer assistance to those who have a more difficult lot in life.
"I feel like I've been very blessed and I've never wanted for anything," she said.
"I've always had good friends, a good family and food and clothes. If I can help bring that to someone else's life, that's all I really want. I think being a global citizen is very important ... people are being more environmentally conscious and conscious of how their decisions affect others.
'We have so much that we take for granted and if people have the means, it's important for them to give back to those that aren't so fortunate."
Prior to leaving for Costa Rica, Kawaja will be seeking donations and doing a variety of fundraising initiatives to help pay for what she knows will be an expensive trip.
"They have to train you, lodge you, feed you and educate you on everything," she said.
"My flight cost and my travel immunizations are all expensive so my goal is $8,000 right now. Fundraising right now is the big thing."
With this in mind, Kawaja has started a website at www.giveforpuravida.com, a site where donations can be made and news of the trip will be posted.
In addition, there will be a fundraising event tonight at the Bar Room called Play Together for the Kids.
In lieu of a cover charge, donations will be accepted at the door. With a lineup that includes local artists such as Bill and Mark Allan, Janna Whelan, Steve Caines, Brad Randall, Rick Waterman, Dane and Taryn Kawaja and Kev Hamilton, Kawaja anticipates an interesting, eclectic evening of music. The show starts 10 p.m. Thursday.
